Hiv+ and Hep B

[NC_guy]

Is there more danger having Hep B then getting Hiv+ ?

[bearbandit]

Theoretical question or has this happened? If you were planning on getting pozzed, I'd say wait till the hep B has cleared (which it does for about 80%(?) of guys). And if you're chasing, give your liver a chance to rest before resuming. Of the guys who don't clear it, a most end up with Chronic hepatitis, whereby they may not show any symptoms (apart from in blood tests), but they are infectious. Death from hepatitis B happens, but it's pretty rare.

If it's something that has happened, you need to take a bit extra care of yourself, as most HIV drugs are dealt with by the liver and can put extra strain on the liver. I had hep B eight or nine years after I got HIV, but cleared it without drug treatment. According to wikipedia, there are seven drugs that can stop hep B virus from replicating and thus causing further damage (two of them, lamivudine and tenofovir, are used in HIV treatment).

You'll know if you're over-doing it: vomiting, jaundice (which is caused by the liver over producing bilirubin and is a side effect of the protease inhibitor atazanavir (Reyataz), weakness, tiredness, and a sensation that something is trying to escape from your rib cage. If you drink, go dry for a while and lower the amount of fat in your diet (both of which will reduce the stress on your liver).

It's over 20 years since I had hep B and even though there's some damage there, in general terms I'm fine. If I drink too much or eat too much fatty food I get a pain in my side, that's all. I've even managed to keep my antibodies to it, which means I don't need the inoculation...

[TigerMilner]

No because there is a vaccine for Hep A and B. Go get them both if you don't already have it. Hep C is the one we have to worry about. I had a potential hook up who was poz who told me was Hep C positive as well and allowed me to decide. When he told me his meds weren't working and that is viral load had shot up without explanation, I had to tell him I appreciate his honesty, but I will have to pass. That was a classy guy in my book. He didn't have to tell me.

Is there more danger having Hep B then getting Hiv+ ?

[bathhousebill]

I think the above advice is excellent . Get the vaccine. For some, including me 25 years ago, hep B can become a major health issue.

It took me 7 years to develop the antibodies and at one point I met with liver transplant specialist. If you don't develop the antibodies within about 6 months, then you only have a 1% chance each year of developing in the future. As always with hiv or hep B, taking proper care of yourself is essential . Best of luck.

[ZonovX]

No because there is a vaccine for Hep A and B. Go get them both if you don't already have it. Hep C is the one we have to worry about. I had a potential hook up who was poz who told me was Hep C positive as well and allowed me to decide. When he told me his meds weren't working and that is viral load had shot up without explanation, I had to tell him I appreciate his honesty, but I will have to pass. That was a classy guy in my book. He didn't have to tell me.

Please do not assume you will not get HepB because you have taken the vaccine.  I took the vaccine, as well as the booster they are now recommending, and I still got HepB.

[wood]

Please do not assume you will not get HepB because you have taken the vaccine.  I took the vaccine, as well as the booster they are now recommending, and I still got HepB.

While it can happen, your story is rare, and the vaccine is still a good idea for everyone.