Know the differences
Hepatitis B and hepatitis C have different forms of prevention and treatment.
What may be happening
Talking about "hepatitis" without specifying the type can generate fear and assumptions about its origin, sexual life or drug and alcohol consumption. None of that alone describes a person.
How it can affect
Comments that blame people divert attention from current needs. You can prepare your questions and ask for privacy to talk about your health.
Facts to dispel myths
There is a vaccine against hepatitis B and treatment for chronic infection when indicated. Hepatitis C can be cured with treatment, but there is no effective vaccine. The pages for each infection explain these differences and the daily contact that does not transmit them.
What can we change
When reporting, name the type of hepatitis and avoid deducing the diagnosis from someone's appearance. When accompanying, listen without asking for a complete story of your life. When arranging services, provide understandable information about testing and subsequent steps.
Illustrative situation · an incomplete label
In a group it is said that a person "has hepatitis" and they begin to avoid it. It is a fictitious situation, not a testimony.
A possible answer. Provides specific information and protects your privacy. A label does not justify rejection.
What can we change
Understanding hepatitis B
Learn about vaccination, monitoring and treatment without prejudice.
Understanding hepatitis C
Understand healing, trials, and the barriers we can reduce.
Find a next stepYou may also be interested
Sources to continue reading
Document consultation: September 21, 2026. The selection of sources does not amount to a professional review of this page. How we process information.