What is the connection between hepatitis C and HIV?
There are many connections between hepatitis C and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), but it is also necessary to understand the differences between the two viruses. These are separate viruses; Hepatitis C mainly attacks the liver and HIV can have a systemic effect. In some populations, such as intravenous drug users or people with blood diseases that require frequent blood products, these two viruses can often occur together. In other populations such as the population of men infected HIV, who have infected HIV through homosexual sexual activity, the risk of infecting hepatitis C is approximately the same as in heterosexual men with virus. Another important connection includes what happens when these viruses are concurrent.
The greatest link between hepatitis C and HIV is observable in the population of people using intravenous illegal drugs. In this group, more than 50% chance and moThe Žní as high as the 90% probability that people infected with one virus will also be infected with the other. Some of this is due to how both viruses can easily spread and the behavior of those who can use intravenous drugs. Both viruses can spread by direct contact with someone else's blood infected, and when sharing needles that are still common are part of the practice of drug use, the likelihood of obtaining both viruses becomes very high. The use of needles exchange programs can help reduce risk, but people who shared needles in the past are recommended to be tested on hepatitis C and HIV.
Although male homosexual sexual activity significantly increases the risk of HIV, it does not significantly increase the risk of hepatitis C. There is a certain risk and about 3-5% of people can be downloaded by hepatitis C from homosexual or heterosexual unprotected sex. The greatest risk of hepatitis C generally comes from direct contact with infected blood or products made from this blood.
differencesIn the way they are contractual hepatitis C and HIV, they suggest that the efforts to prevent hepatitis C must be focused mainly on people who use intravenous drugs. Efforts to prevent HIV in this population are also required. For HIV infection alone, intervention and education should still focus on emphasizing safer sexual practices for both homosexual and heterosexual populations.
Work to prevent the occurring hepatitis C and HIV is very necessary because both viruses can complicate treatment and disrupt health. People with HIV are more vulnerable to the negative effects of hepatitis C. They will probably have more liver damage and scarring earlier. As a result, death and hospitalization related to hepatitis C are higher in the HIV population. Hepatitis C does not have to cause AIDS, although there is some debate at this point, but it can cause death before AIDS occurs.
People with hepatitis C represent a risk on non -informed partners with HIV. It is important to minimize potencial contact with infected blood. This means using safer sexual practices and avoid sharing things such as needles, razors or toothbrushes that could contain traces of infected blood.