Jin's Story
When she was very young, Jinqiu’s mother told her she has a germ and that she shouldn’t touch anyone if she was bleeding. Later, Jinqiu revealed to her entire class that she has hepatitis B. Her mother visited Jinqiu’s school to make sure everyone was aware of what it meant for a student to live with the virus. Today, Jinqiu feels that it’s her responsibility to disclose to new potential romantic partners that she is hepatitis B positive, and each time she does this, she gains new confidence and strength.
Discussion Questions and Answers:
How did Jin’s classmates react, after Jin decided to tell them she had hepatitis B? (They reacted poorly, due to a lack of information and understanding.)
How did Jin’s mother react, after Jin decided to tell the class about her status? (She came in and did education sessions for students and teachers, to put them at ease about the situation.)
If most people have been vaccinated, why is it still important for people with hepatitis B to disclose their status to new partners? (In the U.S., only 25 percent of adults have been vaccinated against hepatitis B. For people born before 1991, it’s important that they get tested and, if necessary, practice safe sex with their hepatitis B positive partners.)