By Jiann Delumen

As influenza-like illnesses surge across the National Capital Region (NCR), Far Eastern University (FEU) Health Services assured that flu cases on campus remain low, while advising Tamaraws to stay proactive through vaccination and hygiene initiatives.

According to the University Health Services’ (UHS) data, 14 students and one employee have been diagnosed with influenza as of this month, which UHS Director Desiree Chiongson described as 'relatively low’ given the University’s population of more than 26,000.

Nationally, the Department of Health (DOH) has recorded around 133,000 influenza-like illness cases this year, slightly lower than the 135,000 cases reported in 2024. Meanwhile, DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said that the figures are ‘no cause for alarm,’ adding that the increase is “really just the weather” and part of the usual flu season.

In an online interview with FEU Advocate, Chiongson explained that the rise in respiratory infections is typical during the colder months, referred to as flu season, particularly from September to February.

“It is very common to see a rise in cases of upper respiratory tract infection during the ‘-ber’ months… We have seen cases of acute tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and common colds aside from the flu,” she said.

Chiongson also noted that influenza is one of the most common infectious diseases, often sharing symptoms with common colds—such as cough and runny nose. However, she explained that influenza symptoms tend to be more severe, which include high fever, body aches, and fatigue.

While most cases are mild and self-limiting, the director warned that people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease are at higher risk of complications. 

To safeguard campus health, FEU requires flu vaccinations for incoming freshmen and internship students, and encourages other community members to get vaccinated as well.

“Getting vaccines—for flu and other vaccine-preventable illnesses—is always the best way to prevent having severe complications,” Chiongson added.

In addition, regular advisories from the UHS also encourage Tamaraws to maintain proper hygiene, follow cough and sneeze etiquette, and wear masks when symptomatic or in crowded places.

“Flu and flu-like illnesses are manageable. We just need to take responsibility for our own health and keep practicing the minimum health standards—frequent handwashing, physical distancing, and mask use,” the director reminded.

In their earlier health bulletin, the UHS noted that personnel disinfect classrooms and common spaces daily to lessen transmission risk, with the University’s blended learning setup also reducing close contact among students and staff.

UHS assured that the situation remains under control and that it continues to coordinate with local health authorities to ensure campus safety.

Students experiencing flu-like symptoms may visit the UHS clinic, which operates Monday to Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for medical consultations.

On October 12, the FEU Central Student Organization (FEUCSO) submitted a recommendation letter to the Administration proposing a temporary shift to online classes due to the rising influenza cases, recent earthquakes, and the three-day Manibela transport strike from October 13 to 15.

Citing continued health and transport concerns, FEUCSO and Institute Student Councils renewed their call on October 15 to conduct the consultation week online from October 16 to 18 to maintain academic continuity.

After the Department of Education suspended public school classes on October 13 and 14 due to a rise in flu-like cases, private universities such as the University of Santo Tomas and Adamson University shifted to online learning.

(Photo by Thea Danielle Morin/FEU Advocate)