for Veterans and the Public
HIV and hepatitis C coinfection: Entire Lesson
HIV and hepatitis C coinfection
Coinfection is a medical term meaning that you have two or more infections in your body at the same time. If you have both HIV and hepatitis C, then you have HIV and hepatitis C coinfection. These two illnesses are very different, so it is important that you learn about both of them.
- HIV stands for the human immunodeficiency virus. The virus attacks the body's immune system and, over time, can lead to AIDS.
- Hepatitis C is a virus that can damage your liver slowly over time.
Why is HIV-hepatitis C coinfection an issue?
Many people who have HIV also have been exposed to other infections, such as hepatitis C. Over half of people who become HIV infected through injecting drugs also become infected with hepatitis C. Hepatitis C infection also can occur through unprotected sex. Overall, more than one third of all Americans infected with HIV have hepatitis C, too. So HIV-hepatitis C coinfection is common.
Having both viruses also makes it a little harder to deal with either one. There are specific medical issues that are unique to coinfected patients.
What do coinfected people need to be concerned about?
Doctors and patients always should try to bear in mind that there are two infections to deal with. Hepatitis C can mean that a person's liver is more sensitive to the effects of HIV medications. Likewise, if coinfected persons are taking hepatitis C medications (particularly if they are taking interferon shots or ribavirin pills), their doctors need to be extra careful in monitoring them, because their bodies are more sensitive to the effects of these medications. Being coinfected is not a terrible situation, but it requires more attention.
How can coinfection affect me?
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It is spread mainly through blood and sexual contact. You can have HIV and feel healthy. Over many years, however, the virus can wear down your body's immune system, making it hard for your body to fight off dangerous infections. Having HIV also can increase your risk of getting certain cancers.
Even though there is no cure for HIV infection, there are many medications that can help people with HIV live longer and healthier lives.
You will want to learn much more about HIV, so that you can do everything possible to stay healthy. You also will need to learn how to avoid giving HIV to others.
Hepatitis C is a disease of your liver. It is caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus. The virus is spread mainly through contact with infected blood, and can be passed through sexual contact.
Many people don't know that they have hepatitis C, because the symptoms of the infection often are very mild. Some people with hepatitis C feel tired or have an upset stomach. Others may not have any symptoms at all.
Even if you do not have any symptoms, hepatitis C is still a serious illness. There are medications that can cure hepatitis C in some people, and more and better medications are being developed. It is important to get care for hepatitis C because it stays in your body. You can give hepatitis C to someone else and can develop other health problems yourself.
Hepatitis C is the main cause of cirrhosis of the liver in the United States in 2006. In cirrhosis, healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue. Over time, with cirrhosis, the liver can stop functioning well, and a person even may need to be considered for a liver transplant. You can find more information on the VA Hepatitis C website
Will coinfection affect my treatments?
Having hepatitis C will not affect your HIV treatments. Some HIV treatments can damage your liver, so your doctor may choose specific drugs for you.
Having HIV means the older medications used to treat hepatitis C are not as likely to work as well in you. With newer hepatitis C drugs, the chance of cure is very high. Working closely with your medical providers will give you the best chance for successful treatment.
Can I give HIV or hepatitis C to someone else?
HIV is spread by infected blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. There are a number of ways of keeping sex partners from getting HIV -- these include taking HIV medications to keep your HIV viral load suppressed, and using condoms for sex.
Hepatitis C is spread mainly by the blood and sometimes by sex. If you have sex, the best thing to do to prevent both infections is to practice safer sex all the time. To do so, always use a condom, dental dam, or other latex barrier and avoid "rough sex" or other activities that might cause bleeding. For more information, see tips for using condoms and dental dams.
Sharing needles or works to inject drugs is one of the easiest ways to spread hepatitis C and HIV. By sharing needles or works, you even can spread both of these viruses at the same time.
The best thing to do, especially if you have hepatitis C or HIV, is not use drugs. Talk to your doctor about getting help to stop.
If you use drugs, make sure that your needle and works are clean (or brand new) every time and never share them with anyone else. Snorting drugs such as cocaine also may spread hepatitis C, and possibly HIV.
What can I do about coinfection?
There is no cure for HIV, but it often can be controlled. It is possible to cure hHepatitis C , especially with newer hepatitis C therapies.
Medications for both diseases keep getting better. Talk with your doctor about these treatments for HIV and hepatitis C. Educate yourself about your treatment choices as much as you can.
The best way to keep your coinfection from becoming a serious health problem is to keep yourself and your liver healthy by following these guidelines:
Do not drink alcohol.
Alcohol weakens your immune system and damages your liver even when you are healthy. Drinking alcohol heavily when you have HIV and hepatitis C makes the damage much worse. Remember, there is no "safe" amount of alcohol you can drink when you have HIV and hepatitis C. It doesn't help to switch from "hard" liquor to beer, cider, or wine. If you need help to stop drinking alcohol, talk to your doctor.
Get vaccinated against other hepatitis viruses.
Having hepatitis C does not mean that you can't get other kinds of hepatitis. Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinations (or shots) to protect you from getting hepatitis A and B.
Avoid taking medicines, supplements or natural or herbal remedies that might cause more damage to your liver.
Even ordinary pain relievers in high doses can cause liver problems in some people. Check with your doctor before you take any natural or herbal remedy, supplement, prescription, or nonprescription medicine. And, make sure your doctor knows all the medicines you are taking for HIV and hepatitis C.
Don't use illegal drugs.
Remember that these drugs can make your illness worse. Talk with your doctor if you can't stop taking drugs.
Respect your body.
Eat healthy food, drink plenty of water, and get restful sleep. Try to exercise every day.
Don't have condomless sex.
Using condoms correctly and consistently (every time) is an excellent and very effective way to keep other people from getting HIV or hepatitis C through sex. If you are coinfected and you have sex, the best thing to do is to always use a condom, dental dam, or other latex barrier and avoid "rough sex" or other activities that might cause bleeding.
Ask your doctor where you can get support in your area. If you already get services from an AIDS organization, ask about support groups for people who have HIV and hepatitis C.
HIV and hepatitis C are two of the most important medical issues today. Try to educate yourself about them. Ask your doctor if you need help making sense of anything you hear on the news or read in a newspaper.
Follow your doctor's advice.
Follow all instructions you get from your doctor. Try to keep all of your appointments. Call your doctor immediately if you have any problems.
HIV and hepatitis C coinfection resources
- VA National Hepatitis C Web Site
Information on hepatitis C for health care providers and patients from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- CDC Viral Hepatitis Web Site
Information on all types of viral hepatitis from the National Center for Infectious Diseases of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- HCV Advocate
Web site of the Hepatitis Support Project, whose goal is to offer support to those who are affected by hepatitis C and related coinfections. Information and education is provided, as well as access to support groups.
- Hepatitis B Foundation
A nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life of those affected by hepatitis B worldwide through research, education, and patient advocacy. Features information in English, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.
- HIV/AIDS/Hepatitis C Nightline:
Hotline providing support for people with HIV or hepatitis C and their caregivers during the evening and nightime hours. 1-800-273-AIDS or 415-434-AIDS; 5 pm - 5 am Pacific time. Also offers Spanish-language hotline at: 1-800-303-SIDA or 415-989-5212.
Just Diagnosed Resources
- Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Your Diagnosis
A list of questions to print out and bring to your medical appointment.
- Just Diagnosed with HIV?
The Body's starting place for people newly diagnosed with HIV. Articles on understanding HIV, choosing and working with a physician, first steps to treatment, telling others.
- HIV/AIDS Program
Resources for HIV-positive persons developed by the Seattle & King County County Department of Public Health
The CDC National AIDS Hotline, including its Spanish Service and TTY Service, is operated under contract with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Group calls can also be arranged by calling the hotline.
English: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Spanish: 1-800-344-7432, 8 am - 2 am eastern time, 7 days a week.
CDC National STD Hotline: 1-800-232-4636, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- The CDC National AIDS Hotline, including its Spanish Service and TTY Service, is operated under contract with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Group calls can also be arranged by calling the hotline.
- More Information:
- Find Web sites on more specific topics, such as opportunistic infections, travel health, and more.