If You’re Poz, Get Tested For Hep C
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1 November 2009 | 8 Comments
There seems to be an upswing in Hep C cases in poz guys in NYC…
Researchers in New York City are reporting their work uncovering a new epidemic of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) who have HIV infection. These authors have previously reported unusually rapid fibrosis progression due to new HCV in MSM who have HIV infection and now expand on their findings, demonstrating that sexual transmission rather than injection drug use is the route of infection. Treatment is highly successful if started early in the course of infection, however, they report ominous news about liver disease progression. “This epidemic represents a new clinical syndrome for HCV infection that turns much of our knowledge on its ear: a new risk group becoming infected through a previously rare route of transmission resulting in unprecedented progression of liver fibrosis,” (Source)
Previously Hep C was almost always transmitted through shared needles. Now they’re seeing a fair amount of Hep C passed through sexual contact. So detection and early treatment are important. What I don’t understand is why they’re not worried about sexual transmission among neg guys.
So when you go in for your routine tests, make sure you get tested for Hep C – it’s not just for drug addicts anymore. I’ve always heard Hep C can be worse than HIV – so don’t take this lightly.
UPDATE: Another piece of research has been released that says that fisting is one of the primary risk factors for Hep C in men who are already poz. Basically it’s blood, not semen, that’s doing the damage.
They’re not AS worried about neg guys getting infected because there is “unusually rapid fibrosis progression due to new HCV in MSM who have HIV infection”, as in, pos guys are much more at risk from the effects of HVC. It says it right in the bit you quoted…
The major cause of death for long term HIV positive gay men is liver failure as a result of Hep C. These patients do not qualify for liver transplants. Hep C is transmitted through unprotected anal sex and the data would suggest that there is s symbiotic relationship between being HIV + and Hep C. The only treatment I am aware of for Hep C is a 6 month regiment of Interferon, it makes you very sick during the treatment, but does get rid of the Hep C, which is why early detection is important. If behavioral changes are not made you will risk exposure and reinfection.
“The only treatment I am aware of for Hep C is a 6 month regiment of Interferon, it makes you very sick during the treatment, but does get rid of the Hep C, which is why early detection is important.” vs. “And no, once you’ve got Hep C it’s very difficult to get rid of. Impossible in some cases. It’s not like you just take 6 months of drugs and it’s gone.”
You’re acutally both right, guys, it just depends on three things:
1.) How early it’s detected (90% chance of success during the acute infection, i.e. during the first 6 months). CHRONIC HepC is indeed very difficult to get rid of, the overall cure rate is just ~50%.
2.) The HCV subtype (75+ % cured for genotype 2/3 after 24 weeks, 50% for genotype 1 after 48% weeks). In the US it’s usually type 1.
3.) And finally, yes, co-infection with HIV. While the ribavirin works as an antiviral, the interferon is used to boost the immune response but all that depends on the shape of your immune system in the first place.
AND THAT’S WHY GETTING TESTED IS SO IMPORTANT – TO CATCH IT EARLY.
Case in point: I know two friends with HepC. One is poz, almost died of AIDS a few years ago, because he didn’t start therapy soon enough. But his HepC got treated within weeks after infection and if I remember correctly, after only the 24-weeks course of medication he got rid of the hepatitis. The other one (female, ex drug-user, HIV-neg) caught it decades ago, therapy didn’t work and she’s now hoping for a liver transplant.
“What I don’t understand is why they’re not worried about sexual transmission among neg guys.”
… because there is a witch hunt going on.
I wrote too soon about HEP C: previous post.
I “cleared” HEP C. And I got it from sharing a needle on purpose (a dare) in a van parked in front of Hole in the Wall Saloon. We were tweaking, and this HOT man dared me to become his blood brother. [San Franciso…] I can be up for anything, so I did it. And I had HEP C a few months later. I was not treated. I cleared it. [he did not tell me about his HEP C…]
Instead, I had HEP B, because I was stupid in the 1980s [I had no MD, then]. The HEP B almost killed me. Useful to know that TRUVADA, the nuceloside analogue (2 parts of triple therapy for HIV) can reduce HEP B viral load to undetectable. I’m on Truvada for life. I know what End-Stage Liver Disease feels like.
The liver is also fabulous at regeneration, although never like a virgin liver. I have a friend who self-treated HEP C for years, and while he nearly died [really near] this past year, he healed himself to the point that all the fluid (edema/ascites) is not visible. No Salt diet: be strict, if you have edema.
Now, what do I do? Tattoo myself, “the walking taboo?” If you take my blood, you may be in danger, stupid, or both. As a bottom who is not fisted, not even very active sexually [ahh], I try to keep men out of harm’s way.
It is the height of shame to have to announce a litany of transmissable ailments. There are other viruses too, guys.
ENDNOTE: [sharing] needles is on the rise in the pnp world. I know, because I have talked about it, and one man did it with me in February (the one event).
We discussed viruses in advance. If you are all wrecked, that can be somehow nasty/sexy. Really off the edge. It’s as real as Barebacking.
Since then, I have had men write/speak to me about wanting to do needlepoint, and sharing ALL fluids. The ante keeps rising: dbl fisting; dbl fucking – and here is the BIG Q: WHY are a “few of us” so keen on dark play?
Only a small margin will talk about it, but it’s really worth frank talk. peace, friends