Hepatitis C Support Group

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne viral disease which can cause liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread by blood-to-blood contact with an infected person's blood. Many people with HCV infection have no symptoms and are unaware of the need to seek treatment. Hepatitis C infects an estimated 150-200 million people worldwide.

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Reducing stigma?

Brigid13
Brigid13
I read an article that said the way to reduce stigma around HCV is to divorce it in people's minds from iv drug use. He said that Baby Boomers should answer "I could have gotten it any number of ways," that even if someone shot dope for years, if they saw a dentist during that time or had a manicure, then they can't be sure how they got infected. I get his point, but it does seem a bit disingenuous. I mean, yes, some people were infected that way. And I totally get not having to explain. On the other hand, to "educate" people that iv drug use and HCV aren't connected doesn't seem true. But it sure would be nice to let people know I have HCV without "confessing" to past heroin addiction. What does everyone else think?
kookie2
kookie2
i totally agree. everyone of us deserves the respect of not being stereotyped because of any illness virus, or disease. Regardless of how we may have gotten it, or any past mistakes, it is not a reflection on who we are as human beings today.
thank you Brigid for bringing this up. I have had a lot of strange reactions from people. If they have a problem with it then it is their judgmental attitude that makes them at the loss.
Brigid13
Brigid13
I agree about not being judged or disrespected, but I get the part I don't feel comfortable is arguing that I might have gotten it from a dentist when I don't believe that to be true. Still, if enough people argue that then maybe people will stop assuming. Or maybe the next thing we need to erase stigma from is iv drug use. I don't feel confident enough to do that (and I have kids) but wouldn't it be great if that weren't viewed as any more shameful than drinking or numbing out in front of the tv.