Finding out you have HCV – and getting support 

Finding out you have HCV

Your response to dealing with HCV might vary depending on whether this is a recent or long-standing diagnosis, and whether or not you have been HIV positive for a long time too. 

If both diagnoses are new, then getting support for HIV might be more important than for HCV. Or if you have been HIV positive for a long time, some of ways you coped with HIV might help you now.

Whatever your circumstances, it is likely to help to be able to talk about how you feel. Often, connecting with people who have gone through similar experiences can help.

Recently acquired hep C in gay men

For many years, most cases of recently acquired HCV in people living with HIV have been among gay men. 

The majority of these cases occurred from sexual exposure. This raised new issues of disclosure that was often difficult because of prejudice and fear over HCV.

Early treatment can cure HCV and reduce further transmission. 

But being cured once does not protect against HCV reinfection. 

Long-term HIV/HCV coinfection

It is common for people who became HIV positive through blood products or injecting drug use to also have HCV.

Importantly, DAAs mean that most people with long-term HCV can now be cured. 

Last updated: 1 November 2024.