✔ Backed by: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) · Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) · HIV.gov (HHS) · HHS Office for Civil Rights. Each fact links to its source, and the full list is at the bottom of this post.
Imagine your aunt is visiting for Sunday dinner. Someone mentions a cousin who just found out he has hepatitis B. The room goes quiet. Then your aunt whispers, “Don’t eat from the same plate as him.” Everyone nods, and the talk moves on. But you wonder: is that even true? And when were you last tested for HIV and hepatitis?
African Immigrant and Refugee HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis Awareness Day falls on September 9. It is a good time to have these talks with care and without shame. Hepatitis B is common in many African countries, and many people do not know they have it [1]. Testing is the first step to staying healthy. So let’s talk about it, like two friends at the kitchen table.
“I feel fine.” Why testing still matters
Hepatitis B and HIV can both be silent for years. You can feel completely well and still have one of them. Without care, hepatitis B can damage the liver and lead to liver cancer. But here is the hopeful part. Treatment exists for both conditions, and people can live long, healthy lives [1].
That is why testing is not about expecting bad news. It is about having the facts so you can protect yourself and the people you love. Have you ever put off a test because you were afraid of the answer?
Who should get tested for HIV and hepatitis
CDC recommends hepatitis B screening at least once for all adults 18 and older, using a blood test called a triple panel. People born in countries where hepatitis B is common should get a test, and they may need testing more than once if they are not protected [2]. Everyone ages 13 to 64 should get an HIV test at least once [8].
Many people had tests before coming to the U.S. and assume they are all set. If that’s you, ask your clinician whether you need testing again. You could say:
You: “Have I been tested for hepatitis B and HIV? I had some tests before I moved here, but I’m not sure which ones.”
Your clinician: “Let’s check your records. If we don’t see them, we can test today.”
When you get your results, it’s okay to ask more questions. “What do my results mean?” “Do I need the hepatitis B vaccine?” “Do I need follow-up visits or more tests?” And “Should my family members be tested?”
Clearing up the dinner-table myth
Let’s go back to that Sunday dinner. Fear about how hepatitis B spreads can push people away from the ones they love. So here are the facts. Hepatitis B spreads when blood, semen, or certain other body fluids from a person with the virus enter another person’s body, even in tiny amounts. It can pass from a parent to a baby at birth, through sex, and through shared needles, syringes, or medical equipment like glucose monitors. Sharing razors or toothbrushes is a less common way it spreads [5].
Hepatitis B is not spread by sharing food, water, cups, or eating utensils. It is not spread by hugging, kissing, coughing, or sneezing [5]. You can keep sharing meals and hugs with the people you love.
If an older relative repeats the myth, you might gently say: “Auntie, I looked it up. CDC says hepatitis B doesn’t spread from sharing food or plates. He can still eat with us.” Respect goes a long way. What words would feel kind and respectful in your family?
Protecting your family
Vaccines are a big part of protecting your family. Some people think the hepatitis B vaccine is only for children. Actually, CDC recommends it for adults through age 59, and for adults 60 and older who have risk factors. People who live with someone who has hepatitis B should get a hepatitis B test, plus the vaccine if needed. And pregnant people should get a hepatitis B blood test as part of prenatal care [5]. If you are pregnant, ask your care team how to protect your baby.
If you have hepatitis B, it’s natural to worry about your partner and household. Talking with them can feel scary. You might start with: “I learned something about my health, and I want to keep you safe too. Will you get tested with me?” If you do not have HIV, you can also ask about PrEP, a medicine that lowers the chance of getting HIV [4].
Where to get tested, and getting language help
Cost and language are two big worries for many families. Community health centers offer care on a sliding fee scale, whether or not you have insurance [3]. Health departments and many clinics that serve immigrants and refugees can help too.
Local health departments, community health centers, sexual health clinics, and pharmacies offer HIV testing, and there are free options if you do not have insurance. An HIV self-test can be done at home or in another private place. You can buy one at a pharmacy or online, or you may be able to order a free one through CDC while supplies last. The HIV.gov HIV Services Locator can help you find testing by ZIP code or city [6].
Some people stay away from care because they worry their English isn’t strong enough. Please don’t let that stop you. Programs that receive federal health funding must offer language help, like an interpreter, free of charge [7]. You can simply say, “I would like an interpreter, please.” It is also fair to ask the clinic how they protect your health records.
Facing stigma together
In many communities, people worry about what others will think. Some fear gossip or unfair treatment. Those worries are real. But hepatitis B and HIV are health conditions, not a sign of bad character. Getting tested is a caring choice for yourself and your family.
Community leaders, elders, and families can help change the conversation. Talk about testing openly at family and community gatherings. Offer to go with a friend or relative to their test. Share this information in the languages your community speaks. And support people who test positive with kindness and privacy. If you test positive, you can ask your clinic about counseling, peer support, and community groups that understand your culture and language. What would make testing feel normal in your community?
Let’s talk
We would love to hear from you in the comments below. Please keep it general and protect your privacy.
What myths about hepatitis B or HIV have you heard in your family or community?
What words have helped you encourage a loved one to get tested?
What would make it easier for people in your community to ask for testing or an interpreter?
One Tru Step: Ask at your next visit, “Have I been tested for hepatitis B and HIV?”
Sources and further reading
- CDC: Hepatitis B: Are You at Risk? Information for People From Africa
- CDC: Hepatitis B Testing and Diagnosis
- HRSA: Find a Health Center
- CDC: About PrEP
- CDC: Hepatitis B Prevention and Control
- HIV.gov: HIV Testing Locations
- HHS Office for Civil Rights: Limited English Proficiency
- CDC: Getting Tested for HIV
Sources checked October 10, 2026. General education; individual care and coverage questions require an appropriate professional.
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