The True Story: Closed Rooms, Close Contact, Spread Before Symptoms

Romanian outlet Observator reported on 19 January 2024 that authorities estimated about 100,000 people were ill, with over 30,000 respiratory infections diagnosed in seven days, and flu killed six people in one week, including a baby.

Buzău County Hospital, one of the largest, restricted visiting hours from 19 January, and many hospitals were full. Dr Adrian Marinescu, an infectious disease physician, estimated about 20% of patients needed hospital admission, and the report noted infected people can spread flu from two days before symptoms.

The Key Lesson: Therapists Work Close to Many Clients a Day

Thai spas and massage shops have therapists working closely with clients in closed rooms or curtained areas, many clients a day. Points to watch are:

• Closed massage rooms close to clients' faces
• Sheets and pillows that must be changed every client
• Steam rooms and saunas warm and humid
• Changing rooms shared
• Coughing therapists working because they are paid per client

How Flu Spreads

According to the World Health Organization, seasonal influenza spreads easily where people gather, such as schools and nursing homes. It spreads through droplets when people cough or sneeze, and through hands that touch contaminated surfaces and then the eyes, nose or mouth. Most people recover within a week, but young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic illness are at risk of severe disease. Influenza is an enveloped virus, which suitable disinfectants can inactivate.

Risk Register for Spas and Massage Shops

1. Sick therapists keep working: likelihood high / impact high / level critical. Mitigation: stand down with fever and cover shifts. Owner: shop manager
2. Sheets not changed every client: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: change sheets and pillowcases every client. Owner: therapist
3. Stuffy massage rooms: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: air rooms between clients. Owner: shop manager
4. Steam rooms used back to back: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: clean between sessions. Owner: spa staff
5. Shop not deep-cleaned: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: fog and ozone-treat massage rooms after closing. Owner: owner

Ways to Reduce Flu Risk in Spas and Massage Shops

1. Let sick therapists rest
2. Mask during massage in outbreaks
3. Change sheets and pillowcases every client
4. Air massage rooms between clients
5. Wash hands before and after every client
6. Ask clients about symptoms before service
7. Fog and ozone-treat massage rooms after closing

How ULV Disinfection Fogging Helps

The World Health Disinfection disinfection service uses ULV fogging machines that turn the disinfectant into a fine mist. It settles across the whole area, including corners, curtains, upholstery and surfaces that hand wiping cannot reach.

• Whole-area coverage without relying on wiping spot by spot
• Quick return to use, typically about 30 minutes after fogging
• Uses Chemgene HLD4H, which meets EN 14476 for virucidal activity according to the product page
• The team wears full protective equipment, so owners and staff do not take the risk themselves
• Report and photos after the job for customers, management or authorities
• Tax invoice with 3% withholding tax for companies and agencies

Ozone Treatment for Closed Rooms and Stuffy Spaces

The World Health Disinfection ozone treatment service uses machines that generate ozone gas from oxygen in the air. It suits closed rooms such as meeting rooms, bedrooms, classrooms, sick bays and vans, helping reduce germs in the air and on surfaces and removing stale odours. Ozone breaks back down into oxygen after treatment, leaving no residue.

• Works alongside disinfection fogging: spray or wipe surfaces first, then use ozone for the air and corners of closed rooms
• No people or pets in the room during treatment: the team seals the room and runs a timer
• Ventilate after treatment before normal use resumes
• Machines tested by Intertek, according to WHD's service page
• Ideal after someone has been ill, such as recovered patients' rooms, shared bedrooms and shuttle vans

Before and After

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many people were ill in Romania? A: About 100,000, with over 30,000 respiratory infections in seven days, per the 19 January 2024 report.

Q: When can infected people spread flu? A: The report said from two days before symptoms until five days after they start.

Q: Does the fogging disinfectant work on flu? A: The team uses Chemgene HLD4H, which meets EN 14476 for virucidal activity according to the product page, and influenza is an enveloped virus that suitable disinfectants can inactivate. Fogging does not replace vaccination or handwashing.

Q: Can I enter the room right after ozone treatment? A: No one should be in the room during treatment. Ventilate afterwards before normal use; the team will advise the right time for the room size.

Q: Can spas get a tax invoice? A: Yes. Tax invoices are issued and 3% withholding tax is supported. Call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Related Links and Sources

• World Health Disinfection disinfection service
• World Health Disinfection ozone treatment service
• Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant and price
• Influenza information from Thailand's Department of Disease Control, hotline 1422
• WHO seasonal influenza fact sheet

Prevent Flu with Disinfection Fogging and Ozone Treatment

The real news from Romania shows flu can spread before symptoms appear. Spas that keep every step clean let clients truly relax. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for reception, changing rooms and toilets, and the ozone treatment service for massage and steam rooms after closing. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268