A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes: I've recently started seeing a man. We get along very well and I do hope to continue into something more serious with him. However when we were talking about our families he mentioned in passing his dad has hepatitis b and a weak liver. He said he himself was vaccinated for it when he went on holidays but I'm worried now.Are my fears justified? Or is it just a matter of asking for a blood test from him if we get serious?
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reader, anonymous, writes (5 June 2015): Where I live (a European country), when I got tested for STIs for the first time they asked me what countries what countries any previous sexual partners came from. Due to 2 being from an area of the world where Hepatitis B is prevalent, they offered me a the vaccination and I gladly accepted it.
If someone is vaccinated against something, it means they are immune from catching that particular disease. The Hepatitis B vaccine typically offers protection for 5 years from the time it is administered. You cannot catch the disease from someone who is vaccinated against it. For your own peace of mind get tested for STIs in general.
A
female
reader, chigirl +, writes (31 May 2015):
You need to do your own research. Yes, kissing is okay in most cases, lol, except if a person has oral herpes. But this is something you need to read up on yourself and get familiar with. It's your job to get educated on this topic.
Reason I know so much about Hepatitis B is because I had a boyfriend who was chronically diagnosed with it. In most cases, Hep B is something you get rid of, but in his case (and it seems the case of the dad in your story) it is chronically and will be there until they die. I read up on it, I found out what I could and could not do. But as for what is safe to do and not when it comes to STI's in general, that is something you must take responsibility for and educate yourself on.
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reader, anonymous, writes (31 May 2015): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionIs kissing okay until we reach the point where we can discuss testing?
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female
reader, Honeypie +, writes (30 May 2015):
I agree this is easy enough, get vaccinated and GO get tested together.
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female
reader, chigirl +, writes (30 May 2015):
Your fears are not justified. If he's vaccinated it means he doesn't have it, and wont get it.
However you are allowed to worry for your health and take necessary precautions. Get vaccinated yourself, for starters. Everyone should be vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B, as there are vaccinations available. Also, when entering a new sexual relationship, unless you always use condoms for all things (including rubbing up against each other without penetration and bj's), BOTH persons should get tested. The most common thing to get tested for is chlamydia, as it does not give any symptoms. Most clinics offer free testing.
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reader, anonymous, writes (30 May 2015): My boyfriend and I didn't have sex until almost two months after we met. We both agreed to go have blood tests done together; and got a full-screening for all possible STD's. It was simple, discreet, very private, and we both got our results at the same time. We both know we are negative for HIV and any other STD. Including Hep B or C. I don't think your boyfriend would object to doing the same for you, nor providing proof of his vaccination.
He seems like a very considerate guy. He was very forthcoming and honest; and that was because he cares enough about you to let you know he's safe. Get your own peace of mind by testing together. Then there is no question. I did.
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