What should I tell my friends

It's only natural to feel anxious about telling people who love you that you have a serious illness. So it's helpful to prepare in advance.

Think about how you are going to break the news. Write down and practise a few opening lines:-

"I've been diagnosed with an illness that you might find upsetting at first, but let me tell you the facts, and like me, you'll feel better…"

"I want you to know that I'm starting a strong treatment programme to cure Hepatitis C, and I'm really going to need your help to get through it…"

Tell them what your symptoms are now, how the illness and treatment might affect your health and lifestyle, what you are doing to stay healthy, and what they can do to support you.

Reassure them that it can't be caught by coughing or sneezing, cuddling or sharing food and drinks.

Direct them to trustworthy information, and let them know that there's plenty of scaremongering and misinformation about Hepatitis C, especially online.

It's worth thinking more carefully about what you tell your children, especially if they are very young. They need to know about the illness and what to do to avoid infection, but they'll also need a lot of reassurance. Let them know that sometimes you might feel unwell, and you'll need their help. Tell them you are doing everything you can to stay healthy and that you still plan to be around for a long, long time.

Above all, be honest with your friends and family.