HCV/HIV Coinfection

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a disease that infects the liver. Lifelong infection can be caused by HCV, and after some time, it can cause fibrosis (mild to moderate liver scarring), cirrhosis (serious liver scarring), liver cancer, liver failure and death.

Hepatitis C is common among individuals living with HIV. The people who all are living with HIV, Hepatitis C is very common among them. This means that about 225,000 to 330,000 people in the United States are living with both viruses.

HIV can worsen hepatitis C. HIV can increase the risk of liver damage and also can speed up the onset of liver damage following infection. People who al are affected by HIV should work closely with their health care providers so as to avoid and treat both condition.