For people living with HIV, co-infection with hepatitis will affect both health and treatment options. Hepatitis produces inflammation of the liver and is caused by particular blood-borne viruses.

Hepatitis A, B and C are the most common types of hepatitis in Australia.

Many people living with HIV contract hepatitis A and/or B, fully recover and are immune to further infection from these viruses. A few people, however, will develop chronic hepatitis B. If you are not immune and have not been vaccinated, you are vulnerable to infection. In Australia an estimated 13% [1] of people with HIV also have hepatitis C.  Unfortunately there is no vaccination for hepatitis C but treatment has improved.

[1] (HIV Futures Five, La Trobe University, pp7, 2006)

This website chapter answers questions about co-infection with HIV and hepatitis A, B or C.

It includes important information about each type of hepatitis, the implications of living with co-infection, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment information, as well as transmission, prevention strategies and tips for taking care of your liver and general health.

Hepatitis A and HIV

• Hepatitis A - Basics (key facts, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, complementary therapies)
• Hepatitis A and HIV co-infection (prognosis, HIV treatment implications, taking care of your liver)
• Transmission and prevention (transmission, prevention and vaccination, strategies for avoiding and preventing hepatitis A)

Hepatitis B and HIV

• Hepatitis B - Basics (what is hepatitis B? will I get rid of hepatitis B? symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, complementary therapies, liver transplants)
• Hepatitis B and HIV co-infection (prognosis, HIV treatment issues, hepatitis B treatment issues, tips for liver care)
• Transmission and prevention (transmission, prevention, vaccination and strategies for avoiding hepatitis B) 

Hepatitis C and HIV

• Hepatitis C - Basics (key facts, can I clear hepatitis C without treatment? liver care, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, complementary therapies, liver transplants)
• Hepatitis C and HIV co-infection (how does hepatitis C affect HIV? how does HIV affect hepatitis C? hepatitis C treatment issues, HIV treatment and hepatitis C: which to treat first?)
• Transmission and prevention (transmission, prevention and strategies for avoiding hepatitis C)

Vaccines

• Vaccines prevent hepatitis A and hepatitis B
• If you have HIV and have not had hepatitis A or hepatitis B you are advised to get these vaccinations. Talk with your doctor or sexual health clinic ASAP
• If you are infected with hepatitis C and/or HIV, it is crucial that you get hepatitis A and B vaccinations to protect your liver from further damage
• There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C infection.

Acknowledgements

ACON would like to acknowledge and thank the following for their assistance in developing this resource: Dr. Mark Bloch, NSW Health, Australasian Society for HIV Medicine (ASHM), The Body, Aidsmap, and Terrence Higgins Trust.
Disclaimer: This website aims to provide you with useful information, but for medical advice and information specific to your situation, you should always see a qualified medical professional.

More info

Contact: ACON’s HIV Men's Health Promotion Team or ACON's Women & Families Project

Tel: (02) 9699 8756

Email: hivliving@acon.org.au or family@acon.org.au