Talking to others about your condition
An important part of living with hepatitis B
Telling friends and family about your condition may be difficult. But it's an important step in managing chronic (or long-term) hepatitis B.
If you're currently living with hepatitis B, the people close to you can be an important part of your support team. They can help you with daily tasks, encourage you to stick with any treatments your doctor has prescribed, and help you adjust to life changes you may need to make.
Here are some tips to confiding in those close to you:
- Confide in people you trust and who truly care about you and your health.
- Set aside enough time to answer any questions or concerns they may have.
- Reassure them by reminding them that the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is not spread through casual contact. You CANNOT spread the virus by holding hands, hugging, kissing, or sharing a meal together.
- Encourage anyone who comes in close contact with you to get tested for hepatitis B (a simple blood test) and possibly the hepatitis B vaccine.
- If you are having sex, talk openly with your partner about your condition. Encourage him or her to get the hepatitis B vaccine.
- When talking to a child about how you are living with hepatitis B as a chronic infection, explain the condition in a way that he or she can understand.
- Find support groups that can offer additional help for living with hepatitis B to you and your family.
- Learn more together about living with hepatitis B and how to help to prevent the spread of HBV. Read more