Telling Family and Friends

Telling family and friends that you have hepatitis C isn't easy. However, those who care about you will want to know about your disease, and will want to help you. That's important because you may need their help.

Confide in Someone. You should confide in people you can trust to be supportive. Unfortunately, some people may not be supportive. They may act differently once they find out you have hepatitis C. Share your situation with people who will help you, rather than cause you new problems.

Be Honest. Once you have decided whom to tell, be prepared to speak honestly and openly with them. Like you, they may be scared at first because they don't understand hepatitis C. To alleviate their fears you must be prepared to provide them with good information. Tell them what you know about hepatitis C. Share the Coaching Booklet with them. Direct them to the Hepatitis C Information section of this Web site. Answer their questions and address their concerns as openly and as calmly as possible. That way they will understand the problems you face and be better prepared to help you. You may want to watch other patients describe their support from family and friends.

How do I talk to adults about hepatitis C?

Although hepatitis C is complicated, you can explain it simply and honestly. Practice what you're going to say before telling your family. Calmly tell them:

• How you got the disease (or how you may have gotten it if you don't know for sure).
• That hepatitis C can't be spread by coughing, sneezing, hugging, or sharing food or water. They will want to know their risk of getting it from you. Tell them how hepatitis C is spread.
• That hepatitis C is a disease of the liver. Explain that in order to keep your liver from further harm, you can no longer drink alcohol. Ask them to help you eat healthily to maintain your energy.
• How hepatitis C will affect your life, and how they can help you cope.
• That treatment is available and that you are exploring your options.
• That you will need their support as you work to regain your health.

How do I talk to children about hepatitis C?

Keep it Simple. A very young child needs only basic information: that you are sick, that you're going to the doctor, and that you may feel bad for a while. Older children will be able to understand and deal with more details. Consider the age of the child before deciding what to say.

• Be honest and fair. Don't promise you'll be better soon. This will make children feel worse if you do not recover quickly.
• Don't be too serious. Hepatitis C is a serious disease, but being too serious with children may scare or worry them needlessly.
• Explain that children should not play with your toothbrush, manicure tools, or other items that may come in contact with your blood. If you decide to get treatment, they must never touch your used syringes or other medical equipment.
• Tell them it is okay to touch you, hold your hand, and hug you.
• Reassure them that they did not cause your illness. Children, especially young ones, often blame themselves for illness in the family.

Let Kids Talk About It With You. Encourage children to talk to you about their feelings regarding your disease. It is not unusual for them to feel helpless, anxious, guilty, sad, angry, or unloved. Talking honestly and frequently with them will help prevent irrational feelings. Ask family and friends to help you in this effort.

How do I talk to my partner about hepatitis C?

Be Open and Honest. Your partner is an adult, and should be told everything previously mentioned. Emphasize that the virus is not very contagious, but that it is important not to share anything that can carry even a tiny amount of blood. Tell them the virus is present in semen, saliva, and vaginal fluid, but that it is rare to catch it through sex or through kissing. Have them read How Is Hepatitis C Spread?.

Encourage your partner to be tested as a precaution. Do your best to keep his or her fears under control. Remember, most people in a steady and committed relationship do not get hepatitis C.

Educate Those Around You. Do everything you can to educate your family and friends. As you learn more, share new information with them. Involve them in your doctor visits. Let them know that their feelings (anger, sadness, guilt, fear) are normal and okay. It may be helpful for both of you to watch our video "What is Hepatitis C".

You can turn to The Be In Charge® Program for a vast amount of additional information and support as you manage your hepatitis C treatment. Sign up now for this tremendous support tool.