I know these postings are old, and therefore may not even be looked at, but I have to respond to some mis-information posted here just in case someone comes looking like I did. I hope it is helpful.
I have both Herpes and Hepatitis C, and have had both for 20+ years (recently diagnosed with HCV though, didn't know it and only found out accidentally by routine blood screening for insurance).
Anyway, the Herpes was never terribly virulent. Got it from my significant other that had it before meeting me, and we then lived together for 12 years so it was kinda unavoidable (we opted to give up condoms knowing it was likely - ah love!). It was worse the first 2-3 years (several very painful outbreaks a year) but it has steadily tapered off. Now I may get maybe 1-2 a year, and they are mild.
So all during that time, I had both the Herpes and the HCV. Recent tests for HCV indicate that I am at the lower end of the spectrum for liver inflammation or damage from the virus, have good liver function, low viral load etc. So, in my case, having both was not a significant escalation factor for either apparently.
The several postings on this thread have wrong information about Hepatitis. In a nutshell, there are vaccines now for A and B - which are mainly transmitted by poor sanitation and sexual contact. Look into the vaccines if you are sexually active or have another type of Hepatitis!!
Hep C (HCV) is transmitted mainly by blood (early transfusions before the blood supply was tested, sharing IV needles and other drug use [snorting drugs with an infected user may be possible transmission mode], blood to blood contact etc. Of note: monogamous sexual partners who do not use barrier methods of contraception still apparently have low incidence of transmittal, but multiple partners and other risky behavior increases possibility of sexual transmission. Regardless, sex is not the biggie for HCV (but it is for HBV). My ex never got HCV and we had unprotected sex for 12 years while I likely had it.
MOST IMPORTANTLY - there are lots of touted treatments for HCV out there, and those of us with it are always searching for the info. While there seem to be some successful alternative treatments (milk thistle and other herbs etc.), there are also newer conventional (chemo) therapies in use also (Peg-interferon/ Ribavirin) that cannot be overlooked. Also, some herbs can be extremely damaging to a sick liver, and should never be taken without much research and knowledge. There is, in fact, a lot to lose if the wrong stuff is taken.
It is absolutely NOT TRUE that there is no treatment for HCV. While it may not be optimal, all info should be considered by those who seek treatment. Please see the Hepatitis board for lots of info on all forms of Hepatitis, and especially HCV.
Please let us know what has transpired with your girlfriends diagnosis, and how things are going. I once thought that the Herpes was a terrible curse and it made me mad, now of course, I am a bit more concerned with the more serious nature of the HCV, and my attention is there. Herpes doesn't seem like a big deal anymore, and thankfully neither virus interferes with life and love for me.
We all have to deal with stuff as life continues along. Good thing we have some support as we do, and we know we are not alone with the unpleasant things that can come along.
Sorry to be so strident, but HCV is a rough thing to deal with, and I want people to get the right information they need to make informed decisions, and the only way we can do that is to share our knowledge.
Admittedly, this is all new to me also so I defer to the really good resources out here for more help. Hope this was useful information.
Good luck,
Robyn
[This message has been edited by Robyn_Fla (edited 06-29-2003).]
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