The True Story: An Extension Because of a Fast-Spreading Strain

The Connexion reported on 28 January 2026 that France's DGS had extended the flu vaccination campaign from 31 January to 28 February 2026, as flu was at epidemic level in every region and a more contagious subclade K strain was spreading.

About 86% of flu patients were unvaccinated, GP-seen flu incidence was 186 per 100,000, and the previous season had caused 17,600 deaths.

The Key Lesson: The Sick and the Protected in One Room

Pharmacies and vaccination clinics in Thailand see both people with symptoms and people coming for vaccines. The lessons are:

• Vaccination campaigns bring more people in than usual
• Separate routes or times for symptomatic customers and vaccine seekers
• Dispensing counters are touched often and need wiping in rounds
• Front-line staff are at high risk and should wear masks and be vaccinated
• Ventilating the shop is a recommended measure

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 Pharmacies and Vaccination Clinics

1. Symptomatic customers mixing with vaccine seekers: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: Separate waiting seats and times. Owner: Pharmacist/manager
2. Counters and card terminals: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: Wipe every hour. Owner: Front staff
3. Staff falling ill at peak: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: Masks, vaccines and backup shifts. Owner: Owner
4. Small shops with poor airflow: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: Open doors or use air purifiers. Owner: Shop manager
5. Customers wary of entering: likelihood low / impact medium / level low. Mitigation: Post cleaning measures. Owner: Owner

7 Steps for Pharmacies During Flu Season

1. Separate waiting seats for coughing customers and vaccine seekers
2. Ask symptomatic customers to wear masks and offer them free
3. Wipe counters and card terminals every hour
4. Ventilate the shop regularly
5. ULV-fog after closing; areas are usable about 30 minutes later
6. Ozone-treat the injection room out of hours with nobody inside, then ventilate
7. Post your measures so customers feel confident

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: What is subclade K? A: Reports describe it as a more contagious subvariant; one infected person may infect around four others, according to a CHU Orléans doctor.

Q: Can fogging replace vaccination? A: No. Fogging reduces germs on surfaces, while vaccination remains a key measure recommended by health authorities.

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 pharmacies 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

France extended vaccination because flu was still strong. Clean, well-organised pharmacies help people feel safe coming in to protect themselves. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for shop floors, waiting areas and injection rooms, and the ozone treatment service for injection and consultation rooms. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268