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Hep C Disclosure: Telling Other People
- There are only a few times you legally have to tell someone you have hep C, see the list below.
- Before you tell others, it may be useful to talk to the Hepatitis Infoline.
It is not right or fair but some people may react negatively or rudely if you tell them you had or have hep C. It’s important to know the difference between who you have to tell (legally) and who you might want to tell. This is why we’ve put together this page, to help you decide who to tell about your hep C.
Can you still work if you have or have had hep C?
For most people, there is no legal obligation to tell your employer that you have, or have had hep C. Only under special circumstances will you need to tell people this information.
Who do you have to tell if you have or had hep C?
There are only a few times when you legally have to tell someone if you have hep C:
- people must inform the blood bank in pre-blood donation questionnaires (because you can’t donate blood if you have ever had hep C)
- If a man wants to donate sperm, he must tell the sperm bank.
- if you are a health care worker in NSW who conducts exposure-prone procedures and is PCR positive (phone the Hepatitis Infoline for more information)
- some insurance policies (particularly life insurance) require that you disclose any infections, disabilities, or illnesses that might influence the insurance company’s decision to insure you. Income protection insurance may also fall into this category
- if you are a member of the Australian Defence Force (Navy, Army, Air Force) and you have hep C, you must tell them. You may have to leave the forces if you have hep C, although this is determined on a case-by-case basis
- if you are in competition boxing or martial arts
We’re here to help you make the right decision
Before you tell others it may be useful to talk to the Hepatitis Infoline and have booklets or brochures to give to the other person. This may help overcome any misconceptions they might have about hep C.
For more information, also see our online resources:
Click here for our Hepatitis Disclosure factsheet >>
Click here to check out our C Change hep C brochure >>
Click here to check out our Hepatitis C – What You Need To Know booklet >>
Click here to check out our Yarnin’ About Hep C – a booklet about hep C for Aboriginal people >>
