Every year, the rainy season in the Philippines brings more than just heavier traffic and flooded streets—it also marks a noticeable rise in healthcare utilization. From flu and respiratory infections to dengue, leptospirosis, and waterborne diseases, the wet season creates ideal conditions for illness to spread. For HR leaders managing company health plans, this means one thing: a predictable spike in HMO claims.

The Department of Health regularly issues warnings as wet season diseases surge. Just in the first half of 2024, dengue cases rose by over 35% compared to the previous year. Viral infections also increase due to weakened immune defenses brought on by damp, cold environments. Add to that flooded roads, and even minor symptoms such as cough, fever, and skin infections can quickly escalate into emergency visits, driving healthcare utilization even higher. A post-disaster study using the Department of Health’s SPEED surveillance system found that cases of communicable diseases consistently surged in the weeks following floods, with the majority of consultations recorded within the first two months.

While we cannot change the weather, we can influence outcomes. Here’s how you can proactively care for your employees during the peak of rainy season health risks:

• Launch a Preventive Care Campaign

  They say, prevention is always better than cure. Educate employees on early symptoms of common rainy season illnesses (fever, rashes, muscle pain, etc.) and encourage timely consultations. Highlight which illnesses are covered by your HMO and promote the use teleconsultation for simple non-emergency cases.

• Promote Teleconsultation Services

  The weather can discourage travel and delay care. Promote existing telehealth services offered by your HMO provider. Employees are more likely to seek help early if the barriers to care are low. Implement awareness programs as early as possible to educate employees that telehealth is a feasible and more convenient option

• Coordinate On-site or Near-site Vaccination Drives

  If your HMO allows it, arrange for free or co-shared flu shots before peak season. It’s a high impact move, helping maintain workforce health and minimize productivity loss during critical months.

• Monitor and Review Claims Data

  Review past rainy season claims to identify any recurring patterns such as whether certain teams, locations, or types of illnesses are showing higher frequency. Use these insights to plan specific and targeted interventions

• Update Your Internal Sick Leave and Reporting Policy

  Encourage employees to report illnesses early, not just for their care, but also to monitor potential clusters that may require workplace-wide hygiene or sanitation protocols. Early reporting helps prevent the spread of contagious diseases, protects the overall workforce, and supports timely interventions that keep the workplace safe and productive.

Taking proactive steps during the rainy season demonstrates a genuine commitment to holistic employee wellbeing. After all, a healthy workforce is a productive workforce, and prevention is key to keeping your team at their best throughout the year.