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HIV & hepatitis

This booklet is aimed at people with HIV who also have hepatitis B or hepatitis C, viruses which can cause serious disease of the liver. This booklet is not intended to replace discussion with your doctor, but should help you to think about questions you would like answering.

  • The liver

    The liver is the largest internal organ in your body. It is located at the upper right hand side of the abdomen. Having a healthy

  • Vaccinations

    Vaccinations are available to protect you from getting infected with hepatitis A and hepatitis B. If you are HIV-positive you are advised to receive these

  • Hepatitis B

    Hepatitis B virus (often known as HBV) is an infection that can cause severe and even fatal damage to your liver. It is a very common

  • Hepatitis C

    Hepatitis C virus (or HCV) was first identified in 1989 and can affect the liver and lymphatic system. It is not related to hepatitis B,

  • Liver transplants

    Liver transplants can be successful in people with HIV. An increasing number have been performed on people who are coinfected with HIV and hepatitis B

  • Hepatitis A

    Hepatitis A can cause a short-term (or acute) illness, which normally lasts ten to 14 days. It has no long-term, or chronic, phase. You can

  • Complementary therapies

    Many people with hepatitis use complementary or alternative therapies, either as a treatment for their liver disease or to help relieve the symptoms or treatment

  • Treatment networks

    The British HIV Association recommends that your treatment for HIV and hepatitis B or C should involve a network of specialist doctors. As well as your

  • Further information

    Your HIV clinic should be able to offer you information and support about hepatitis. You may also find the following organisations useful: The British Liver Trust British

  • Summary

    The liver is a human organ that plays an important part in processing drugs. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are serious viral infections that affect the