Guides › Hepatitis C for people living with HIV

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Risk of HCV progression in HIV-positive people

HCV progression in HIV-positive people

Acute infection (0-6 months)

In acute HCV only 20% people have any symptoms (fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, jaundice).
OPTION: early treatment has a higher success rate
Up to 20% percent of HIV-positive people can clear hepatitis C without treatment in the first few months.
Most HIV-positive people go on to have chronic hepatitis C. HCV can progress more quickly in people who have been HIV+ for many years.
Up to 20% people do not develop any further significant liver damage

Chronic infection(6 months-30+ years)

Around 60% people develop mild to moderate liver scarring (fibrosis) and may experience symptoms, such as fatigue and depression.
OPTION: treat before serious liver damage
Up to 40% people do not develop serious liver damage. HCV treatment is not always needed. 20-30% HIV-positive people may develop serious liver scarring (compensated cirrhosis) after 10-15 years. The liver can still function, despite damage.
OPTION: treatment much less effective at this stage
1-5% of people with compensated cirrhosis develop liver cancer each year.
If cirrhosis progresses to decompensated liver disease a liver transplant is the only option.

March 2009

Decisions relating to your treatment should always be taken in consultation with your doctor. Information in this guide is intended to support those discussions.

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