Binh's Story
When Binh found out he had hepatitis B, his youth and good health led him to put off any follow-up. Several years later, Binh learned his viral load was very high and fortunately started treatment “not a moment too soon.” Binh’s experience highlights the need for more advocacy around hepatitis B testing and treatment and more education about the silent nature of the disease.
Discussion Questions and Answers:
Why did Binh decide to go to the community clinic rather than to his family doctor? (Like Binh, the doctor is Vietnamese; because Binh is gay, he didn’t feel comfortable visiting this gentleman. Binh may have worried that the doctor would respond with a homophobic attitude or “out” him in the community.)
What led Binh to initially put off seeking follow-up care, after he tested positive for hepatitis B? What eventually led him to go back to a doctor? (He believed that because he was young and healthy, he didn’t have to worry about the virus. He went back again due to concerns about STDs, only to find that his hepatitis B viral load was high.)
How does Binh see his family history as informing his attitude about what it means to live with hepatitis B? (Binh’s parents were refugees; he feels that having hepatitis B pales in comparison to what they endured and is grateful to them for the life he leads today.)
What does Binh think needs to happen, before discussions about hepatitis B can become routine in relationships? (He feels that the openness and advocacy about HIV/AIDS needs to be mirrored in public health, to help people understand hepatitis B and know how to talk about it.)