Asistencia

H1N1 Influenza A - Frequently Asked Questions

Can the U.S. Embassy overseas provide me with medication, if I get sick?

Due to legal restrictions and a lack of sufficient resources, the U.S. Department of State is not in a position to provide private American citizens traveling or living abroad with medications or supplies, or medical treatment. Influenza antiviral medications can be obtained by prescription from a healthcare provider in the United States. If adequate medical treatment or antiviral medications are not readily available at your overseas location or travel destination(s), you should consider discussing with your personal physician the advisability of obtaining an advance supply of appropriate medication for your trip or period of stay overseas. You can obtain more information at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. 

If a pandemic develops and I’m overseas, what will the U.S. Government do to help me?

The U.S. Government will not evacuate American citizens from a foreign country in the event of a pandemic. Please see our “Pandemic/Avian Influenza” and “Remain in Country” fact sheets on www.travel.state.gov for detailed explanations of U.S. Government policy regarding Americans abroad in the event of a pandemic.
In general, U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad will work to provide traditional consular protection to American citizens who are forced or choose to remain in country. Such assistance includes helping Americans communicate with family and friends, monitoring quarantine/detention conditions as permitted by local health authorities, arranging for transfers of funds or granting temporary subsistence loans, and providing information regarding the availability of medical care (to be paid for by the individual). Private American citizens should be aware that the U.S. Government cannot demand their immediate release if they have been detained or quarantined abroad in accordance with local public health and legal authorities.