[Jenn1fer82]

My family just found out that my father has Hep B. The doctor is now asking for the entire to get tested for Hep B. Everyone in my family are very worried at this time. After researching about Hep B this is a very contagious virus. There could be a high chance that my mom could also have it because they are intimate and live with one another for so long. Two of my siblings were already tested for the virus when they had their physical and they are not carrier of the virus so thats good news.

I am worried myself and have already set an appointment to see a doctor next week. You can get the virus through cuts, blood and other bodily fluids. This virus could also be class as a std because you can be infected through semen. I know I'll have to talk to my bf about this so he can get tested and I'm dreading it. I dont know how to bring it up.

[Fresia]

I'm sorry to hear about your Dad.

The conversation with your bf is important regardless of this having happened with your Dad, especially if you or your boyfriend have been in physical contact or are sexually active. It's important to have regular testing because although there is trust in a relationship, your health and safety are most important and not everyone is as forthcoming and can discuss these things. By not discussing it and not getting checked, puts everyone at risk.

It is not easy to bring up but for both of your safety, get checked but no matter the outcome, have the conversation such as: I wanted to let you know about my getting tested for viruses and STD's when I went into the doctor, due to someone in the family being diagnosed with Hep B; as we are involved (and bring up if there are prior relationships for either of you), ask if he has been checked lately as it is always a good idea to be safe. You can mention how some things do not immediately present symptoms and lie dormant for years, so that it is why it is good to keep getting checked and rechecked ever so often, not just for Hep B. It is a difficult conversation but an adult one for everyone's safety.

Again, I am sorry for your Dad and so glad it was caught. Best of wishes for the testing and the conversation. I hope it strengthens your relationship, ideally it will.

[Perna]

I doubt you have HBV and there's nothing that can be done if you/your boyfriend do unless you get tested within 24 hours (I think it is beyond that now?). But most adults recover fully from the virus (think "flu"). But if you want to discuss it with your boyfriend I would wait until you are tested and, if negative, you can just discuss your dad and the scare he gave the rest of the family, etc. and not worry your boyfriend about whether or not he, himself, has it. However, if you are infected, then you can still "blame" it on contact with your dad?

"If you know you've been exposed to hepatitis B, contact your doctor immediately. A preventive treatment may reduce the risk that the virus will infect your body. But the treatment must be administered within 24 hours of exposure to the hepatitis B virus."

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hep...CTION=symptoms