MD's Story
English
Vietnamese
MD grew up in Vietnam and learned at age 12 that she has chronic hepatitis B. She kept this information to herself until she came to the United States to attend college. After attending a student conference, she wondered why people with various health conditions kept them secret. She decided eventually to tell her roommates and is gradually coming forward to speak about living with the virus.
Discussion Questions and Answers:
How does M.D.’s chronic hepatitis B affect her life? (Physically, she is often tired and needs to be careful of taking on too many activities. Emotionally, she struggles with feeling safe enough to disclose her status.)
What are some of the reasons why people living with hepatitis B might decide not to share this information? (They are concerned about discrimination, even though hepatitis B is a protected condition under the Americans with Disabilities Act. They are afraid of being judged by others, due to the stigma attached to the virus.)
How can disclosing one’s hepatitis B status offer benefits that might outweigh perceived risks? (Like M.D., they can then ask for the help and support they need; additionally, they are contributing to stigma reduction and setting an example for others living with the virus to follow.)
MD's story is available in English and Vietnamese.