Hepatitis & HIV Co-Infection
About
Hepatitis and HIV co-infection happens when someone living with HIV also has a hepatitis virus, usually hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Hepatitis is an infection that can inflame and damage the liver. Because HIV can affect the immune system, co-infection can sometimes lead to faster liver problems if it is not diagnosed and managed. Some people have no symptoms at all, so testing is very important. Treatment is available, and many people with HIV and hepatitis co-infection live long and healthy lives with the right care. People living with HIV are often offered screening for hepatitis B and C as part of routine care.
Symptoms
often no symptoms, tiredness, nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, fever, joint pain, dark urine, pale stools, jaundice, itchy skin
Transmission
Co-infection itself is not a separate virus. It means a person has HIV and hepatitis at the same time. HIV can be passed on through condomless sex, sharing needles or other drug equipment, and from mother to baby during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding. Hepatitis B can spread through sex, blood-to-blood contact, and from mother to baby. Hepatitis C is mainly spread through blood-to-blood contact, especially by sharing injecting equipment. Some people may have caught one infection earlier and then later acquired the other.
Prevention
Use condoms and other barrier methods for sex, avoid sharing needles, syringes or any drug equipment, never share razors or toothbrushes, make sure tattooing or piercing equipment is sterile, get tested regularly if you may be at risk, take HIV treatment as prescribed, consider PrEP if appropriate for HIV prevention, and get vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B if recommended. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
Treatment & Resources
Combined HIV treatment and hepatitis C treatment
If you have both HIV and hepatitis C, both infections are usually treated. HIV is treated with antiretroviral therapy, often called ART, and hepatitis C is treated with direct-acting antiviral medicines, known as DAAs. These treatments can usually be taken at the same time, but your HIV and liver team will carefully check for drug interactions before starting.
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) that treats both HIV and hepatitis B
If you have both HIV and hepatitis B, treatment usually involves HIV medicines that also work against hepatitis B. This helps control both viruses at the same time, protects the liver, and lowers the risk of serious liver damage over time.
Find Supports near you
You can get tested across Ireland
Find resources and supports in your local community.