What should you know about hepatitis C and HIV?

Both infections can affect the liver and the immune system, but they are separate conditions that require separate tests. HIV medicines and hepatitis C medicines may interact, so treatment should be planned by clinicians who know the full medication list. A positive hepatitis C antibody test shows exposure, not necessarily current infection; a viral RNA test helps clarify whether virus is present. Some people have no symptoms, while others experience fatigue, nausea or abdominal discomfort. Fatigue can also result from HIV, medicines, anaemia or another health problem.

Tell the HIV care team and the clinician assessing hepatitis C about every prescription, supplement and non-prescription product. Do not stop HIV treatment or change doses without medical advice. Ask whether hepatitis C testing, liver assessment and medicine reconciliation should happen before treatment begins. Avoid sharing needles, razors or toothbrushes, and cover wounds to reduce blood exposure. A GP Consultation may help coordinate services. A Liver Function Test can support liver assessment, while Hepatitis C information explains the infection and its testing pathway.

Contact a clinician promptly for yellow skin or eyes, worsening abdominal swelling, unusual bleeding, black stools, persistent vomiting, confusion or severe sleepiness. Seek emergency help for vomiting blood, collapse or difficulty staying awake. Report a new possible blood exposure quickly so the appropriate teams can advise on testing and prevention.

Ask whether your hepatitis C result needs an RNA test, whether your HIV medicines can be combined with proposed treatment, and how often liver health should be checked. Ask who will coordinate care, what symptoms need urgent attention, and whether ongoing fatigue needs another evaluation.