Hepatitis C diagnosis can pose many new challenges in your life. In addition to the physical aspects of the disease, a hepatitis C diagnosis can produce strong emotional responses. Many thought-provoking issues may arise, such as:
- When should I tell others?
- How can I avoid infecting other people?
- Where should I go for support and treatment?
The most important thing you can do is learn all you can about the disease so you can make informed decisions with the help of your doctor or nurse. Here is some information that may help as you decide whom to tell about your diagnosis, what precautions you should take to protect others from getting the disease, and what lifestyle changes you may want to consider.
Telling Others
You may feel hesitant about telling someone that you have hepatitis C. One way to make it slightly easier could be to remind yourself that you are far from alone, and hepatitis C affects people of all social and economic classes.
If and when you decide to tell certain people in your life, try not to anticipate their reactions. You may think that the people you know will respond one way, only to find that once you have informed them, they react in an entirely different fashion. Prepare yourself for a wide array of responses, from sadness, to anger, to suspicion, to wholehearted supportiveness.
It is recommended that infected individuals inform their spouses or partners, their children, and any healthcare workers, such as dentists or others who perform invasive procedures, about their hepatitis C diagnosis.
If you are having difficulty or are feeling anxious about telling loved ones about your condition and would like help, speak with your doctor or nurse. He or she may have more suggestions and know of counselors who are specifically trained to help patients with these types of concerns.
Taking Precautions
If you have hepatitis C, doing all you can to protect others from contracting the disease can provide you with a heightened sense of peace and assurance. Since hepatitis C is spread through contact with infected blood, you should take the following precautions:
- Advise anyone who could come into contact with your blood—sexual partner, doctor, or dentist—that you are infected with HCV.
- Do not share toothbrushes, razors, or other personal care items that might have your blood on them.
- Cover your cuts and open sores.
- Carefully dispose of any bloodstained items (for example, tissues, cotton swabs, tampons, sanitary napkins) and wipe up all blood spills with bleach.
- Use disinfectants and bandages to dress cuts and wounds.
- Consider practicing safe sex, including the use of latex condoms, especially if you have multiple partners.
If you are regularly exposed to blood or blood products through your job, it is important to practice a set of guidelines developed by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) known as "universal precautions."
In addition to taking normal precautions, anyone who comes into contact with blood that is infected with HCV should make an appointment to see a doctor as soon as possible. For information about how hepatitis C is spread, click here. To learn more about the importance of diagnosis and treatment, see Do You Have Hepatitis C?
In general, people with HCV should practice safe sex, which includes using latex condoms. Partners of those who are infected should get tested for the virus. In studies, less than 5% of spouses and monogamous sexual partners of HCV-infected individuals have contracted hepatitis C. However, many partners who do become infected have other risk factors. So sexual transmission may not account for all of these cases. People with multiple sexual partners are at higher risk.
The risk of transmission from mother to child during birth and delivery is considered low. However, those who are considering pregnancy must plan carefully and avoid conceiving during treatment. When you're pregnant, getting treated for hepatitis C with interferon (with or without ribavirin) can be dangerous.
To learn more about precautionary measures, see the Related Links in the Support Library.
Setting New Goals
Sometimes, an illness can be a catalyst for positive change in spite of the discomfort and grief that it can bring. Many people who are living with hepatitis C experience a shift in their outlook on life and are often motivated to set new goals for themselves.
As you begin to accept the reality of your disease, you may be inspired to make significant changes in your relationships and be more proactive about your health practices. You may benefit by trying to view your hepatitis C diagnosis as an opportunity to improve your personal life, work on developing healthy behaviors, and make the most out of each and every day.
You'll never be stronger than you are today!
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