UST Announces Two-Day Health Break (October 15–16, 2025)
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) has declared a two-day health break, suspending all classes and office work across all levels from October 15 to 16, 2025. The advisory, issued by the Office of the Secretary-General, aims to give students, faculty, and staff time to rest and recover amid rising concerns about seasonal illnesses. The interruption in academic and administrative operations applies to every college, unit, and campus office, ensuring a pause across the entire university community.
According to the memo, “The University will observe a two-day Health Break from October 15–16, 2025 (Wednesday to Thursday). During this period, there will be no classes in all levels and office work in the University.” The decision underscores UST’s commitment to student welfare and workforce well-being, particularly as the school year progresses into the autumn season with increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.
Health Advisory: Influenza and Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI)
Alongside the health break, UST’s Office of the Secretary-General released a Health Advisory on Influenza and Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI) dated October 8, 2025. The advisory seeks to raise awareness about symptoms, risks, and preventive actions to curb the seasonal spread of flu and related infections among the Thomasian community.
Influenza is described by health experts as a contagious viral infection that targets the nose, throat, and lungs. ILI encompasses symptoms that may be caused by influenza viruses or other pathogens such as the common cold, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, body pains, fatigue, and chills. The advisory emphasizes vigilance, especially for students and staff with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems.
Practical Preventive Measures for the UST Community
The guidance outlines a range of practical steps to minimize infection risk during the health break and beyond:
- Wear a face mask when experiencing respiratory symptoms to reduce transmission.
- Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette by covering the mouth and nose.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
- Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, including phones, keyboards, and doorknobs.
- Get vaccinated against influenza, as flu shots significantly reduce illness severity and transmission.
- Support immune health through a balanced diet, adequate hydration, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and appropriate use of vitamins as advised by health professionals.
Universities like UST recognize that academic communities can be vulnerable to influenza and ILI outbreaks, which may impact class attendance, clinical rotations, and research activities. The two-day break provides a strategic window for students and staff to rest, recover, and seek medical attention if needed, while reinforcing preventive habits that curb the spread of respiratory infections in crowded campus environments.
What This Means for Students, Faculty, and Staff
During the health break, students should plan for potential adjustments to assignments, deadlines, and laboratory sessions once on-campus activities resume. Faculty members may use the pause to review course plans, adjust timelines, and coordinate with departments to ensure a smooth transition back to regular operations. Administrative units will also implement standard health and safety practices to maintain campus cleanliness and readiness.
As the university community prepares to return from the break, individuals are encouraged to monitor their health, seek medical care for persistent symptoms, and adhere to university policies on illness reporting and campus access. UST’s proactive approach aligns with broader public health guidance that prioritizes rest, vaccination, and hygiene to minimize the impact of seasonal illnesses on academic life.
Looking Ahead
UST’s two-day health break underscores a growing emphasis on student well-being and resilience in higher education. By pairing a pause in operations with a comprehensive influenza/ILI advisory, the university aims to reduce transmission, support recovery, and maintain a safe learning environment. The Thomasian community can anticipate continuing health communications and preventive campaigns as flu season progresses across the country.
