NAPWA

Monitoring by the Victorian Department of Health has revealed that between May 2010 and April 2011, 37 HIV positive gay men were diagnosed with hepatitis C (HCVHepatitis C virusA small infective organism which is incapable of reproducing outside a host cell..) in the state, a significant increase on previous years. In at least 19 of these cases, sexual transmission of HCV was suspected by the diagnosing physician. read more »

The Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections reports important advances in HIV treatments and clinicalPertaining to or founded on observation and treatment of participants, as distinguished from theoretical or basic science. care. The 18th CROI was held in Boston in March. Neil McKellar-Stewart highlights some of the good bits. read more »

Doctor Louise answers readers' questions. In this issue she discusses Hepatitis C infection and unprotected sex. read more »

People with chronic hepatitis c and advanced liverA large organ, located in the upper right abdomen, which assists in digestion by metabolising carbohydrates, fats and proteins, stores vitamins and minerals, produces amino acids, bile and cholesterolAn essential component of cell membranes and nerve fibre insulation, cholesterol is important for the metabolism and transport of fatty acids and the production of hormones and Vitamin D. Cholesterol is manufactured by the liver, and is also present in certain foods. High blood cholesterol levels have been linked to heart disease and may be a side effect of some anti-HIV medications., and removes toxins from the blood. disease who drink three or more cups of coffee a day have a 53% lower risk of liver disease progression than non-coffee drinkers, according to a new study. read more »

People who fail current hepatitis C treatment have few other options except trying the same drugs again, but an experimental(Of a drug) Not licensed for use in humans, or as a treatment for a particular condition. Experimental drugs are studied in clinical trials to determine their safety and efficacy(Of a drug or treatment). The maximum ability of a drug or treatment to produce a result regardless of dosage. A drug passes efficacy trials if it is effective at the dose tested and against the illness for which it is prescribed. In the standard procedure, Phase II clinical trials gauge efficacy, and Phase III trials confirm it., and are sometimes made available via Special Access Schemes prior to their approval. antiviralA medication or substance which is active against one or more virusesA small infective organism which is incapable of reproducing outside a host cell.. May include anti-HIV drugs, but these are more accurately termed antiretroviralsA medication or other substance which is active against retroviruses such as HIV.. drug is poised to change all that. read more »

This Treataware fact sheet explains the issues for people with HIV/AIDS around coinfection with hepatitis A, B & C, including ways to minimise risk and treatment options. read more »

Treating your HIV with combination ARVA medication or other substance which is active against retroviruses such as HIV. is definitely recommended if you have hepatitis C (HCVHepatitis C virus.), as HIV replication makes it more likely that you could transmit (HCV) to your baby. read more »

Many people with HCVHepatitis C virusA small infective organism which is incapable of reproducing outside a host cell.. manage their symptoms with a range of lifestyle alterations and complementary therapiesA broad range of healing philosophies, approaches, and therapies that Western (conventional) medicine does not commonly use to promote well-being or treat health conditions. Examples include acupuncture, herbs, Traditional Chinese Medicine, etc.. Avoiding or reducing alcohol consumption is key in limiting liverA large organ, located in the upper right abdomen, which assists in digestion by metabolising carbohydrates, fats and proteins, stores vitamins and minerals, produces amino acids, bile and cholesterolAn essential component of cell membranes and nerve fibre insulation, cholesterol is important for the metabolism and transport of fatty acids and the production of hormones and Vitamin D. Cholesterol is manufactured by the liver, and is also present in certain foods. High blood cholesterol levels have been linked to heart disease and may be a side effect of some anti-HIV medications., and removes toxins from the blood. damage. read more »

You can undertake HCVHepatitis C virusA small infective organism which is incapable of reproducing outside a host cell.. treatment while you are taking methadone maintenance. However, you may be at heightened risk of experiencing HCV treatment-related depression, so it is worth discussing the potential benefits and risks of taking an antidepressant preventatively with your doctor. read more »

HCVHepatitis C virusA small infective organism which is incapable of reproducing outside a host cell.. treatment can cause very difficult side effects. Depression, difficulty sleeping, moodiness, aches and pains, fatigue, weakness, nausea, hair thinning, weight loss, muscle wasting, changes in taste, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, low red or white blood cell count, changes in concentration and respiratory problems can all occur. read more »