The choice to tell your family, friends or work colleagues that you have hepatitis C is your choice and yours alone. You do not have to tell anyone, but you may choose to tell those closest to you. How much you choose to share is also up to you. You may be worried about what to say, who to tell, how to tell them, when to tell, and what their reaction will be. These feelings are normal and many people have the same feelings when they're planning to tell others about their disease.
Who should I tell?
It is important that you have control over whom you tell. In general, the
only group that needs to know if you have hepatitis C is The Canadian Blood
Services. HCV-positive people should not donate blood or organs. And when
answering screening questions, identify yourself as HCV-positive. At some
point, it may be important to inform those closest to you-for instance, family
or friends who live in the same house so, no one shares personal items such
as toothbrushes and razors.
If you work in an environment with a high risk of transmission to patients or others, you may want to inform your employer. If unsure, call your local labour board or health department.
When should I tell?
If you have hepatitis C, you should tell your health care workers about it,
so you'll get timely, effective care. Tell them whenever you are ready. Many
people worry about telling a new or potential partner. There are many reasons
that influence the time you tell your partner about the infection. It is important
to consider when it is comfortable for you. When you are ready to talk about
hepatitis C and how it will affect you and your family, choose a time when
you can give the subject plenty of attention. Also, try to choose a comfortable,
safe place. You may choose to tell those close to you if you are sexually
active or live with others. That's because there is a chance the disease can
be transmitted through sexual contact and by sharing personal items such as
razors and toothbrushes. It's a good idea to use condoms during sex.
How do I tell someone I have hepatitis C once I've decided to?
Remember that this is not a confession. You are sharing new information about yourself with someone. You may want to practise with someone whom you've already told or, if you haven't told anyone yet, you can practise with a counsellor or in front of a mirror. You may want to have a script ready because if you write down some important points you may feel more prepared. Role-playing with either a counsellor or someone you've already told will prepare you for all situations.
What should I say?
There are many approaches you can take to start the conversation. Here are
some examples:
- "I have something I'd like to discuss with you…"
- "I feel we're really starting to get to know one another and I would like to tell you something personal…"
- "I feel like our relationship is strong and I can tell you anything. I found out recently that I have hepatitis C…"
- "Remember how I went to the doctor's office a few weeks ago…?"
- "I feel that communication between two people is important. I have something I'd like to tell you…"
What happens next?
Reactions will vary. Some people may be concerned for you and offer support
while others may be fearful and react negatively. Remember that a negative
reaction is not a reflection on you. You are not responsible for the reactions
of others. These reactions could be due to lack of information and knowledge
about hepatitis C. Misunderstanding the disease may affect people's reactions.
It may take some time for them to process the information you've just given
them. Giving it some time will help with their reaction.
Whatever the results, congratulate yourself on a job well done. You have just achieved a task that many people find difficult!
Adapted from Hepatitis C Factsheet from the Hepatitis
C Council of NSW
