The True Story: Severe Flu Up 95% in Brazil

SBT News reported on 10 April 2026 that Brazil recorded 3,584 severe acute respiratory syndrome cases caused by influenza from January to March 2026, up 95% on the same period of 2025, according to Instituto Todos pela Saúde.

The report said only about 12% of people in Rio Grande do Sul had been vaccinated, and scientist Anderson Brito commented on the rise in severe cases.

The Key Lesson: Where People Breathe Hard, Watch the Air and Surfaces

Gyms have members rotating all day, sharing dumbbells, machines and mats in closed air-conditioned rooms. The lessons are:

• Shared equipment is the main touch point, so wipe before and after use
• Group classes get crowded, so cap numbers and ventilate
• Sick members should stay away, with the option to reschedule
• Locker rooms and showers need frequent cleaning
• Vaccination still matters, as Brazil's low coverage shows

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 Gyms and Fitness Centres

1. Germs building up on shared equipment: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: Spray and wipes in every zone, plus fogging after closing. Owner: Branch manager
2. Crowded group classes in closed rooms: likelihood high / impact high / level critical. Mitigation: Cap numbers, ventilate and ozone-treat after closing. Owner: Head trainer
3. Sick trainers infecting members: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: Stay home with fever; keep backup trainers. Owner: HR
4. Damp locker rooms: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: Disinfect and ozone-treat locker rooms. Owner: Housekeeping
5. Members cancelling over worries: likelihood low / impact high / level medium. Mitigation: Share cleaning measures on social media. Owner: Marketing

7 Steps to Cut Flu Risk at the Gym

1. Post signs asking people with fever to stay away, with a rescheduling policy
2. Put spray and wipes in every zone so members wipe machines before and after
3. Cap group class numbers and space mats
4. Clean lockers and showers more often at busy times
5. Fog the whole gym after closing, at least weekly in flu season
6. Ozone-treat class rooms and locker rooms when empty
7. Tell members what is cleaned and when

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 often should a gym be fogged? A: In flu season, perhaps weekly after closing, alongside daily equipment wiping.

Q: Can rooms with rubber flooring be ozone-treated? A: Ask the team to assess the space and materials before service.

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 a gym 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

Brazil's numbers show severe cases can rise fast, so gyms should look after both surfaces and air. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for equipment zones and common areas, and the ozone treatment service for group class rooms and locker rooms. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268