Introduction:
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) weakens the body's immune system and hampers its ability to fight off infections. Co-infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus is common in specific groups of populations. Many studies have shown that in intravenous drug users, co-infection prevalence can be as high as 85 % to 92 %. There is growing evidence backing the concept that people infected with HIV have a much more quick course of their infection of hepatitis C. Treatment of co-infection is often demanding because highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) therapy is often hepatotoxic, especially in the presence of HCV. The intent behind many studies is to describe the effects of HIV on hepatitis C, the effects that hepatitis C has on HIV, and the treatment options in this challenging population.
What Is Meant by Co-infection of Hepatitis C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)?
When two or more infections infect a person at a time, then the person is said to be co-infected. When a person has hepatitis C and human deficiency virus, such a condition is known as co-infection of hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is said to be a deadly and fatal virus. It weakens the immune system, and it is difficult to fight off any infection when a person suffers from HIV. Hepatitis C can be described as a viral infection that induces liver inflammation, leading to severe liver damage. Both infections can be transmitted by blood. Primary sources for transmission comprise intravenous drug use, transfusion of blood products preceding screening, and to a lower extent, sexual intercourse and needle sticks. It has been apparent that HIV causes the course of HCV infection to spread faster and that end-stage liver disease is the highest-seen cause of death in HIV patients. Hepatitis C infection can be a threat to the efficient management of human immunodeficiency virus.
What Should Be Known About Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)?
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is passed from person to person mainly through sex and through contact with infected blood. A person can have HIV and have no symptoms for a long time. Over the years, the virus wears down the body's immune system, causing it tough for the body to fight off dangerous infections and particular cancers. Unfortunately, there HIV is incurable, but there are ideal treatments that can help manage HIV and help the person live a long and healthy life. It is important to learn as much as a person can about it, so they can do everything possible to stay healthy, keep the immune system strong, and avoid passing HIV to others. It does not spread by touching someone, but all the safety measures should be practiced while handling a patient with HIV.
What Should Be Known About Hepatitis C Virus?
Hepatitis C is specifically passed from person to person through contact with infected blood. Various people with hepatitis C infection do not show symptoms at all, while a few patients experience only mild symptoms such as tiredness. Most patients are diagnosed because of having a risk factor for hepatitis C and not because they are experiencing any symptoms. There are very safe and efficacious treatments that can cure hepatitis C. Convention sources of medicines are not used anymore. Current treatment incorporates taking pills orally only. Having HIV will not reduce the chance of getting cured of hepatitis C.
Does Treatment of Either Infection Get Affected Because They Co-exist?
The treatment and management of individual infections do not affect each other's course of treatment. Both hepatitis C and HIV can be treated in coinfected patients safely. The HIV provider will decide the timing and course of therapy for both HCV and HIV, or it will be taken under the control of a specialist. Hepatitis C can be treated in a safe way in patients who are suffering from HIV. The HIV provider will choose a regimen that is individualized for the patient, as significant drug interactions occur with some of the HIV medications. Having been infected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) will not lower the possibility of the person getting cured of the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Even though HIV makes the immune system weak, there are still effective treatment ways that have the potential to cure HCV in co-infection.
What Lifestyle Changes Can Be Undertaken to Manage HIV and HCV Co-infection?
The most promising way to keep the co-infection from becoming a serious health problem is to keep the body and, especially the liver, healthy by following the guidelines given below :
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Take the Expert’s Advice: Controlling and managing HIV and curing hepatitis C is essential and will help keep the liver healthy and the immune system strong. The expert or specialist medical advice would be beneficial and has a vital place in the entire process of treatment. Medical advice should be followed properly to take hold of the co-infection.
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Stop Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol potentially weakens the immune system and damages the liver even when the person is healthy. When the person has HIV and hepatitis C, drinking alcohol, even in small amounts, can damage the liver and worsen the condition. It does not help even if the person decides to switch from "hard" liquor to cider, beer, or wine. If the person needs help to quit drinking alcohol, then they should talk to the provider.
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Vaccination Should Be Up-To-Date: Having hepatitis C does not mean that the person will not get other kinds of hepatitis. The person should be vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B unless the person is already immune. Review the vaccination history with the provider to ensure the person has received and is up to date with all the advised vaccines.
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Avoid Taking Drugs or Having Sex Without Condoms: It should be remembered that drugs and alcohol can make the illness worse. If the person has sex without condoms, that person may pass HIV and hepatitis C to others. The provider should be consulted for any advice if the person is struggling with this.
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Proper Care Should Be Taken: One should eat healthy food, drink plenty of water, and get restful sleep. Try to exercise every day. The person should follow the healthcare provider's recommendations properly and keep a tab on the routine check-ups. The person who is infected with these infections should avoid taking medicines, supplements, or natural or herbal remedies that might cause more damage to the liver or interact with the HIV medications.
Conclusion:
Both infections can be transmitted to another person through sex, though HIV is easily passed this way. For people with HIV, the most useful ways to keep sex partners from getting HIV are by taking the prescribed medications and using protection accurately and consistently. Sharing needles, syringes, or any tools used to inject drugs is one of the easiest ways to spread hepatitis C and HIV. By sharing needles, the person can even disperse both of these viruses simultaneously. The best thing to do, particularly if a person has HIV or hepatitis C, is to stop drug use. All the safety measures should be taken while treating such patients, as the infections are primarily transmitted through blood. The patient should make all the necessary lifestyle changes to live longer.
