Partners, families and friends can support you if you have hepatitis B or hepatitis C.  You may want to tell them that you have hepatitis, but don’t know how to. Or you may worry about how they will react.

Your friends and family might support you when you tell them. But, they may also not know much about hepatitis. This means they could be scared or upset when you tell them. They may have heard myths about the viruses. This is why it's a good idea to come prepared when you tell someone you have hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Some ways that you can do this are:

• Make sure you know the basics about hepatitis B or hepatitis C so you can answer some of the more common questions.
• Call HepLink Australia (1800 437 222) first. Hepatitis organisations can give you advice and answer any questions you may have.
• Practise what you are going to say. It is normal to feel nervous about telling someone, and this can make it hard to say what you want.
• Find a place and time where you can talk alone. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time.
• Ask them not to tell others that you have hepatitis.
• Bring materials with you to help you answer any questions they have. You may want to bring the number for the Hepatitis Infoline (1800 437 222). This is so they can talk to someone else and find out more.