As we navigate flu season, we want to encourage everyone to take extra care of your health and support one another in staying well. 

We would like to remind everyone about health tips and guidelines to follow in order to stay safe and healthy. We are also sharing information on what you can do in case you get sick and need medical attention:

Health & Safety Reminders

• Wash your hands often.
  Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching shared surfaces.

• Cover your mouth and nose.
  Use a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing — not your hands. Wearing a well-fitted mask in close or crowded areas helps reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  Keep a healthy distance when possible to reduce transmission.

• Stay home if you’re feeling unwell.
  If you experience fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, or other flu-like symptoms:

1. Inform your immediate supervisor right away.

2. File for sick leave via the HRIS so the process is officially documented. (Full-time employees may avail of 15 days of sick leave each year. They may also opt to use accumulated leaves and other paid leave credits)

3. Rest and recover fully before returning to work.
   During this time, full-time employees may also use HMO benefits to cover medical consultations, necessary lab tests, and other medical services. To get an Avega electronic referral (for a doctor’s consultation or test) and/or to get details on the Avega coverage, please click here.
   
   If hospitalization or outpatient care becomes necessary, PhilHealth benefits may help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Apart from the in-patient Philhealth benefits, members and their dependents may now avail of outpatient and diagnostic coverage for tests such as chest X-rays or blood work, which Philhealth covers under certain accredited facilities.

For employees without HMO coverage, PhilHealth covers hospital confinement for influenza and its complications (e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis, or other respiratory infections) under the case rate for Acute Upper Respiratory Infection or Pneumonia, with benefit amounts depending on the diagnosis and confinement level. Please make sure your PhilHealth records are updated and have your PhilHealth ID ready if you need to use your benefits.

• Get vaccinated.
  Receiving a flu shot (or other recommended vaccines) remains one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and others. HRM will be announcing details of the 2025 Flu Vaccination Program for employees shortly.

• Consult doctors and get free medicines at the First-Aid Stations

If you’re on campus and feel sick, immediately consult the physicians and get needed medicines at the First-Aid Stations with the following clinic hours:

USC First Aid Station

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Monday to Friday)

PSB First Aid Station

6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Monday to Friday)
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Saturday)

Doctors’ Schedule (USC First Aid Station)

Female Doctor: Monday, Wednesday, Friday (10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
Male Doctor: Tuesday, Thursday (10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)

Taking simple precautions keeps our school community healthy and strong.