HIV & Hepatitis C (HCV) co-infection
Have you been tested for Hepatitis A & B recently?
You can be vaccinated against Hepatitis A & B at your local clinic or STD clinic.
Hepatitis C (Hep C, HCV) is a more difficult one. Though research is underway on a vaccine. We cannot think of all these variants of Hepatitis being the same. Hepatitis itself merely means an inflammation of the liver, and can have many causes other than one of these viruses.
Adding HIV into the picture with Hep C raises additional challenges. The medication for HIV can have an impact on Hep C. Hep C treatment can mean a change in HIV therapy.
Again it is not a straight forward as just having Hepatitis C. There are several types of the virus commonly referred to as the genotype.
Treatment can cause issues with HIV & Mental Health. Treatment can last from 6 months to 18 months. Two main drugs Interferon (injected once a week) and Ribavirin (tablet taken daily). You may have a DEXA scan or biopsy to check the physical condition of your liver.
There is research in to new treatment therapies.
So tell us about your experiences and "coping strategies" (click here) if you are on treatment or live with the illness, it may help someone else. You can find out how to post by clicking here.
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