Argentina Records About 790,000 H3N2 Subclade K Flu Cases: Lessons for Day Nurseries
Last updated: 9 Nov 2026 | 9 Views |
Argentina Records About 790,000 H3N2 Subclade K Flu Cases: Lessons for Day Nurseries
In 2026 Argentina faced what media called a super flu, and young children were among the most affected. Here are the lessons for nurseries in Thailand.
The True Story: Super Flu Dominates Argentina in 2026
La Capital reported on 26 August 2026 that Argentina had about 790,000 cases of H3N2 subclade K influenza, a decade record and more than all of 2025. The Malbrán institute found that 96% of samples in June and July were subclade K.
The outbreak peaked from late June to early July and was common in children under two. Doctor Roberto Parodi commented on what to expect in the following months.
The Key Lesson: Protect the Youngest First
Nurseries and childcare centres in Thailand care for children who cannot wash their own hands, put toys in their mouths and nap in the same room.
- Toys and nap mats are the main risk, so clean them daily
- New strains spread fast, so prepare before the season
- Feverish children go home at once and rest until well
- Carers must wash hands often, especially after nappies and wiping noses
- Tell parents about vaccination for children six months and over, as advised by doctors
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 Nurseries and Childcare Centres
- Infection through toys in mouths: likelihood high / impact high / level critical. Mitigation: Daily toy baskets, washed and disinfected every evening. Owner: Head teacher
- Crowded nap rooms: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: Space mats, ventilate and ozone-treat nap rooms. Owner: Centre manager
- Carers falling ill: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: Strict handwashing and stay home with fever. Owner: HR
- Parents bringing sick children: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: Door screening and a collection policy. Owner: Duty teacher
- Temporary closure: likelihood low / impact high / level medium. Mitigation: Fog the whole centre during closure. Owner: Owner
7 Steps to Prevent Flu in Nurseries
- Screen children every morning for fever, runny nose and cough
- Separate feverish children in a rest corner until parents arrive
- Wash and disinfect toys every evening with rotating toy baskets
- Wash mats and sheets at least weekly
- Fog the whole centre on days off or when several children are ill
- Ozone-treat nap rooms when empty, then ventilate
- Update parents weekly on the situation and measures
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: Is fogging safe in a childcare centre? A: The team fogs when no children are present, and areas are typically usable about 30 minutes later.
Q: How is a nap room ozone-treated? A: No children or staff may be inside during treatment; ventilate before use.
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 childcare centre 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
Prevent Flu with Disinfection Fogging and Ozone Treatment
Argentina's figures show young children are hit hard, so nurseries should start prevention before the season. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for classrooms, play areas and toys, and the ozone treatment service for nap rooms and sick corners. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.
Keywords: influenza, H3N2, subclade K, nursery, childcare centre, nursery disinfection
