Personal stories about hepatitis testing

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

Jax, age 40: I have been sexually active for years and have had at least a dozen sex partners. I'm going to have a hepatitis test. I have a friend who went through treatment a year or so ago. He was pretty miserable, but he came out all right. If he can do it, I can. I think I owe it to myself to find out if I have hepatitis.

Karen, age 33: I had several sex partners when I was in my 20s, but I don't consider myself promiscuous. I worry that I could have hepatitis, but the treatment sounds very unpleasant and might not even work. I think the odds are in my favor that I don't have hepatitis, so I'm not going to be tested.

Malik, age 29: I did drugs in my teens and shared needles a couple of times. I also got a tattoo in Tijuana over spring break one year. I just recently read an article about hepatitis C, and I think I'll get tested. I don't want to deal with the treatment decision right now, but I want to know if I have it.

Sam, age 44: I lived with a woman who had hepatitis B, and I watched her go through the treatment. She had a rough time of it for a year. I don't think I could handle feeling that sick for so long. I'm not going to be tested for two reasons: 1) Even if it turned out I have hepatitis, I don't think I would go through the treatment; and 2) I worry about what would happen if my insurance company or my employer found out I tested positive.