Going to the Doctor
If you feel sick or unwell, please let your host family know immediately so that they can seek medical attention for you as appropriate.
In the U.S. people generally have a primary doctor for members of their family who they see for regular check-ups and if they are feeling unwell. If the situation is more serious and the primary care doctor is not available in the near future, families may go to an “Urgent Care Clinic” to be seen by a medical professional there on the same day. In the case of serious injury or illness in need of immediate attention, such as a broken arm or suspicion of appendicitis, a visit to the emergency room at a nearby hospital would likely occur.
Please note, the AFS Medical Plan responds to participants who get injured or sick while they are on program and covers the diagnosis and treatment of illness.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you become ill there are several steps you should take:
1. Talk with your host family or liaison about your symptoms.
2. Ask you host parent/s to contact a doctor, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your doctor will determine whether testing or treatment is needed.
3. Stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your
illness to others.
If you think you may have been exposed to COVID 19, tell your host parent/s immediately. Be sure to
keep track of your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), tell
your host parent, teacher, liaison, or other adult and get medical attention right away. For the most up to date information on COVID19 symptoms, prevention and what to do if you feel sick, please see this link from the CDC Website.
Expenses for Routine Physical Exams or Preventative Care
The AFS Medical Plan does not pay for routine physicals, inoculations, vaccinations, or
examinations, even if required by schools. For example, schools often require a sports physical
examination prior to allowing participants to participate in school sports. Participants and/or
sending family are expected to pay for these expenses directly.
How can I prevent Viruses?
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand
sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of
your elbow.
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light
switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Endemic Illness Advisory
Certain diseases are endemic to areas of the United States, such as Lyme disease in the
Northeast and Valley Fever in the Southwest. Please ask your host parents and/or local
volunteers for advice regarding any precautionary measures that can be taken to avoid
contracting such diseases. As always, if you begin to feel unwell, be sure to let your host parents
know so that they can assist you in getting treatment.
Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being
Just as your physical health is important, so is staying mentally healthy. Your school year is
likely to be full of both rewarding experiences and personal challenges. AFS believes these
challenges are key opportunities for personal growth and a fundamental part of the learning
process.
Practicing good self-care will help you be a more effective learner and more capable of achieving
your goals.
Identify some good self-care strategies for yourself using your “Emotional Passport”
• Pay Attention to yourself and your emotions. Notice when to slow down to give
yourself a break.
• Practice these strategies when you are feeling stressed, upset, or down.
• Reach Out and remember your support system. Talk to your AFS Liaison, host family,
peers, trusted teacher, school counselor or others in your community.
• Reflect on what works for you and what doesn’t. You may find some strategies work
better than others or discover some new ones! Refer to these Tips for Managing Stress
Your AFS medical plan covers up to 12 sessions with a Mental Health Professional, and your AFS Support structure will assist you in connecting to this support when needed.
Remember, it’s a strength to ask for help!
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a United States-based suicide prevention network of over
200+ crisis centers that provides 24/7 service via a toll-free hotline with the number 9-8-8. It is
available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Learn more at 988lifeline.org