Hepatitis C & HIV
When someone has both Hepatitis C (Hep C or HCV) and HIV, it is often referred to as Hep C & HIV co-infection. This means that both viruses are in your body at the same time. HIV, human immunodeficiency virus, is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV attacks your body’s immune system, which is your body’s protector against germs and illness. When your immune system breaks down, it is much easier for you to develop serious, often deadly infections.
Hep C & HIV Co-Infection: Patient Voices
A 2 minute educational video about chronic hepatitis C/HIV co-infected patients
About this Video
Watch as chronic hepatitis C/HIV co-infected patients share their stories in dealing with stigma, changing HIV regimens, and starting a chronic hepatitis C treatment—and learn about their next steps for the future.
Talk to your doctor to learn more about your treatment options.
This video was produced by Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Risk Factors
For People Who Use Drugs
Hep C & HIV co-infection is fairly common. About 1 out of 3 Americans living with HIV have Hep C; co-infection is more common among those who inject drugs. If you use drugs, learn how to protect yourself from both Hep C and HIV by reading this guide.
Take Care, Take Charge
Specific Risks
Being Hep C & HIV co-infected is associated with specific risks, which include:
- Faster Hep C disease progression
- Increased risk for liver disease, liver failure, and liver-related death
- Increased chance that Hep C will be sexually transmitted
- Increased chance that a pregnant woman will infect her unborn child with Hep C
People who are co-infected — including those who actively use drugs — can be effectively treated for both Hep C and HIV. However, because there are two infections, managing them is slightly more complicated. There is no cure for HIV, but people who are co-infected can be treated to control the virus. There is a cure for Hep C — those who are co-infected can be treated and cured of Hep C. If you are co-infected, working with a doctor who specializes in managing co-infection will give you the best chance for successful treatment of both infections. If you need assistance finding a doctor you can find help here.
