What it is
HIV is a virus that affects the immune system. Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver, and viruses such as hepatitis A, B and C are among its causes. When someone has HIV and hepatitis B or C together, it is called coinfection.
These viruses can overlap because hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV can spread in some of the same ways, such as through blood or certain kinds of sexual contact. Hepatitis B and C can also pass from a pregnant parent to a baby. Having one of these infections does not mean a person did anything wrong, and anyone can be affected.
Hepatitis A is usually short-term and often resolves on its own. Hepatitis B and C can become chronic, meaning they last a long time and may affect the liver over the years. Because HIV can influence how the body deals with these viruses, clinicians often pay close attention to the liver when both are present.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Care for coinfection has traditionally begun with testing. A licensed clinician may check for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, often through blood tests, and may look at how the liver is doing. Many health systems encourage a conversation about screening for people at higher risk, including people born in regions where hepatitis B or C is more common, people who received blood transfusions before 1992, people who have injected drugs, and certain birth cohorts.
Treatment has typically been handled by a clinician who considers the whole picture. Modern antiviral medications exist for HIV and for hepatitis C, and hepatitis C can often be treated and cleared. Hepatitis B is effectively managed with antiviral therapy and ongoing monitoring. Some medicines can affect more than one of these viruses, so clinicians coordinate carefully.
Vaccination is another traditional part of the conversation. Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, and there is no vaccine for hepatitis C or HIV. Whether a vaccine makes sense for a particular person is a decision to talk through with a licensed clinician.
How the right doctor may help
The right doctor may help bring the pieces together. Clinicians who work with HIV, liver health or infectious disease can look at test results, medications and overall health in one place. They may also help you understand how the different conditions and medicines interact. Nothing is guaranteed, but having one coordinated team can make care feel less overwhelming.
A first visit generally includes a conversation about your health history, current medications, and any symptoms. The clinician may suggest blood tests or a liver check, and will explain what the results could mean. Which tests or treatments are appropriate is decided only by a licensed clinician after an evaluation.
Questions you might bring: Which hepatitis viruses have I been tested for? How might my liver be affected? Are there vaccines I should discuss? How do my medicines work together? How often might follow-up be needed? What support exists for cost, stigma or mental health? Our directory can help you find independent doctors, including those experienced with co-occurring conditions.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect one another. Living with more than one health condition can bring worry, fatigue or a sense of being overwhelmed, and stress can in turn make it harder to keep up with routines and appointments. Sleep, nourishment, connection and gentle movement are part of the whole-person picture alongside medical care.
Some people find body-based support helpful for calming a stressed nervous system, such as the approaches offered by sponsor Somatic Experiences. Others value talking through fear, stigma or grief with a counselor, for example through Therapists.plus. These are supportive options to consider alongside, not instead of, care from a licensed clinician.
Keep in mind
- This page is educational only and is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan; a licensed clinician decides what is appropriate for you after an evaluation.
- Screening and vaccination are best discussed with a licensed clinician, who can consider your own history and risks.
- Severe symptoms such as confusion, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or significant yellowing of the skin or eyes with fever need emergency care, so call 911.
- If you are in emotional crisis, call or text the 988 Lifeline. Licensed professionals should guide all care decisions.
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Frequently asked questions
What is HIV hepatitis coinfection?
HIV hepatitis coinfection means a person has HIV and a hepatitis virus, usually hepatitis B or C, at the same time. Because the viruses can spread in similar ways, they sometimes occur together. A licensed clinician can explain what this means for an individual.
Why are HIV and hepatitis sometimes found together?
HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C can share some routes of transmission, such as exposure to blood or certain sexual contact, so they can overlap. Hepatitis B and C can also pass from parent to baby. Having both is not a reflection of personal failing.
Can hepatitis C be treated if you also have HIV?
Hepatitis C can often be treated and cleared with modern antiviral medication, including in people who also have HIV. Which medicines are appropriate, and how they fit with HIV medicines, is decided by a licensed clinician after an evaluation.
Is hepatitis B manageable with HIV?
Hepatitis B is effectively managed with antiviral therapy and regular monitoring, and this can include people living with HIV. Some medicines may act on both viruses, so a clinician coordinates the approach. Ask a provider what would be right for you.
Should people with HIV be screened for hepatitis?
Screening for hepatitis B and C is commonly discussed with people who have HIV. Whether and when to be tested is a conversation to have with a licensed clinician. They can also talk with you about vaccines for hepatitis A and B.
What kind of doctor helps with HIV hepatitis coinfection?
Doctors who focus on HIV, infectious disease, liver health or co-occurring conditions often care for people with coinfection. You can use our directory to find independent providers, and Providers.plus lists licensed providers. For emergencies, call 911.
Educational resource. Hep Programs shares general information and connects people with independent doctors. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.