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A growing number of gay and bisexual men (the majority HIV positive) are getting hepatitis C. Some are getting it from sharing equipment when taking drugs or steroids and some are picking it up during sex.
Men getting infected sexually are mostly those having unprotected anal sex and/or fisting without gloves, especially with large numbers of men. Having HIV makes you more open to getting hepatitis C.
Having hepatitis C and HIV doesn’t mean your HIV will be worse but it can make treating it more complicated. Having both infections can also mean more chance of:
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your immune system not clearing the hepatitis C virus from your body, meaning you develop long term hepatitis C and stay infectious to others |
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giving hepatitis C to others |
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getting liver disease (and dying from it) compared to people who just have hepatitis C |
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having side effects (including diabetes) if you’re treated for your hepatitis C infection |
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more chance that treatment for hepatitis C won’t work |
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life-threatening complications if you get hepatitis A or B (the reason people with HIV should get vaccinated against these two infections) |
If someone with hepatitis C also has HIV, a decision will be made about which infection is more of a threat and needs treating first. If HIV has badly weakened your immune system treating the HIV will usually come first. But if your immune system is still quite strong, treating your hepatitis C will be a priority because you need a healthy liver to benefit from HIV drugs.
Because getting hepatitis A and B when you already have C can lead to serious complications, it’s recommended that HIV positive people with hepatitis C are vaccinated against A and B.
For more information get a copy of the booklet The risks of hepatitis C – information for people with HIV by calling THT Direct on 0845 12 21 200.
Do you have a question about Hepatitis C that is not answered on this website? Try www.hepCuk.info, the NHS FaCe It website or www.britishlivertrust.org.uk.
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