The Mafia, a Red Corvette and Hepatitis C

Recently I watched an old, first-season episode of House, MD. It’s the one about the mafia, a red Corvette and hepatitis C. Naturally, it got my attention fast. One of the mobsters kept slipping into a coma and it was up to Dr. House to figure out the problem.

The doctors thought the problem stemmed from a hepatitis C infection. However, the patient’s brother, a mafia guy who knew how to slap people around, wouldn’t allow treatment or even mention of it in his brother’s chart because, “If people find out he has hep C his reputation is destroyed.” He even gave Dr. House a Corvette as an incentive to keep quiet.

This episode is a great example of how some people view hepatitis C, which is far too common in real life. The good news is I think it’s getting better. The bad news is, well, it won’t happen overnight. Stigma is a social problem and will take education and time to go away. In the meantime, we live life to the fullest and educate, educate, educate.

Photo courtesy of Gokhan Okur/stock.xchng