You have your own health history. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and background with hepatitis. By talking openly and often with your doctor, you can take an active role in your care.
Tips for Getting Information
Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your doctor:
- Bring someone with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask. They may also be able to give more details.
- Write down your questions so do you do not forget them.
- Write down the answers you get and make sure you understand what you are hearing.
- Ask for help if you need it. Do not be afraid to ask questions or ask where you can find more information. You have a right to know.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- What type do I have?
- How did I get this?
- What medicines, dietary supplements, or herbs should I not take?
- Are there other substances I should stay away from?
- How serious is it?
- What symptoms should I watch for and report?
- Am I at risk?
- How do I best prevent it?
- Should I be vaccinated?
- Should I be screened? How often?
- How do I best treat hepatitis?
- What medicines can help me?
- What are the benefits and side effects?
- Will they interact with other medicines, products, or supplements I take?
- Are there any alternative or complementary therapies that will help me?
- Is it safe for me to have a baby?
- What kind of protection should I use when having sex?
- How do I prevent passing hepatitis to others?
- Why do I need to stay away from alcohol? How do I find help to stop drinking?
- Should I exercise?
- When will I stop feeling so tired?
- Will my hepatitis go away?
- Will it become a long term problem?
- Will I get other long term liver problems?
- Will I need a liver transplant?
- How will I know that my treatment plan is working?
- Will I be immune to hepatitis? What types?
References
Acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acute-hepatitis-b-virus-hbv-infection. Accessed May 2, 2022.
Acute hepatitis C infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acute-hepatitis-c-infection. Accessed May 2, 2022.
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chronic-hepatitis-b-virus-hbv-infection. Accessed May 2, 2022.
Chronic hepatitis C infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chronic-hepatitis-c-infection. Accessed May 2, 2022.
Getting the most out of your doctor appointment. American Academy of Family Physicians Family Doctor website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/tips-for-talking-to-your-doctor. Accessed May 2, 2022.
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hepatitis-a-virus-hav-infection. Accessed May 2, 2022.