HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV)
Hepatitis C (HCV) is more serious for people living with HIV. If left untreated, it can lead to serious liver damage, which may make it harder to take antiretroviral medications.
HCV is one of 5 common hepatitis viruses (hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E) that cause inflammation of the liver. Many people do not notice symptoms of HCV, which can include jaundice (yellow skin or eyes) and fatigue.
The virus is usually spread through contact with infected blood. Some behaviors, such as sharing needles for injection drug use and unprotected sex, may put you at increased risk for HCV. A woman with HCV also can pass the virus on to her unborn child.
If you are living with HIV, you should get tested for HCV, especially before you start any new treatment. If you have tested positive for HCV, it is important that your doctor has experience treating both diseases.
There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C.
For more information on hepatitis C infection, please visit www.tibotec-hcv.com.
