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HIV Hepatitis Co-Infection: What You Need to Know

Men's Health, Sexual Health, Uncategorized, Women's Health / By

HIV Hepatitis Co-Infection

  • HIV and hepatitis are different kinds are viruses that are transmitted between people.
  • Although the illnesses they cause are not similar, both viruses can make their way inside your body and infect you at the same time.
  • This is known as an HIV hepatitis co-infection.
  • The chances of co-infection are increased due to the shared risk factors of the two viruses.
  • More than that, HIV may also increase the risk of symptoms related to hepatitis.
  • Let’s look at both viruses and co-infection in detail:

What is HIV?

  • The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids or exposure to the blood of an infected person.
  • The virus attacks healthy cells, compromising the immune system, and making the body susceptible to other infections.

What is Hepatitis?

  • Hepatitis is another viral infection affecting the liver that can arise due to different causes.
  • The most common and infectious hepatitis types are hepatitis-A (HAV), hepatitis-B (HBV), and hepatitis-C (HCV).
  • Hepatitis symptoms may not arise for some time, but usually include:
  1. Fatigue
  2. Weight loss
  3. Dark urine
  4. Fever
  5. Joint pain
  6. Abdominal pain
  7. Nausea
  8. Vomiting

Connection Between HIV and Hepatitis

  • People with HIV are at a greater risk of getting infected by hepatitis as both viruses spread in similar ways.
  • The viruses may be transmitted:
  1. During sexual contact
  2. Through needle sharing
  3. By a parent to a child during birth
  • People with HIV are usually tested for a possible hepatitis infection right away.
  • This is done because an HIV and hepatitis co-infection can result in progressive liver problems.
  • In fact, liver disease related to hepatitis is a major cause of death in people with HIV.
  • Risk factors for an HIV and hepatitis co-infection include:
  1. Sharing surgical needles
  2. Having unprotected sex with multiple partners
  3. Giving birth with either an HIV or hepatitis infection.
  • People with HIV have to regularly get tested for hepatitis infections as for the spread of the HIV infection in their body.

Treatment for People with HIV and Hepatitis Co-Infection

  • Treatment for an HIV and hepatitis co-infection involves providing treatment for both conditions.
  • Antiretroviral drugs are used to stop an HIV infection from developing into AIDS.
  • HBV and HCV hepatitis infections are usually treated with antivirals. These drugs help prevent liver diseases and cancers.
  • HAV is an acute infection that goes away on its own after some time.
  • Frequent tests will be conducted to check the body’s response to the medication.