Can you have hepatitis B and hepatitis C at the same time?

Yes, it is possible to have hepatitis B and hepatitis C at the same time. This is called hepatitis B and C co-infection. It’s not common to have hepatitis B and C co-infection, but it can happen. If you have been at risk of blood-to-blood contact, it is important to get tested for both hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

What is hepatitis B and C co-infection?

Hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) are different viruses that both infect the liver. Because they can both be passed on through blood-to-blood contact, a person can be exposed to both viruses.

Co-infection means a person has:

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C at the same time, or
Had hepatitis B or C in the past and then get exposed to the other virus

In Australia, hepatitis C is most commonly transmitted through sharing injecting equipment. Hepatitis B can be transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, sexual contact, and/or from mother to baby during birth. If you have experienced these risks, you might have been exposed to both viruses.

How common is hepatitis B and C co-infection in Australia?

Co-infection is less common than having hepatitis B or hepatitis C alone, but it does happen in some communities. People who inject drugs or who have experienced a lot of blood-to-blood risks, have a higher chance of co-infection.

Testing is the only way to know if you have one or both viruses.

What happens if you have both hepatitis B and C?

Having both viruses can increase the risk of liver damage compared to having one infection alone. Co-infection could:

Increase the chance of developing cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
Increase the risk of liver cancer
Make liver disease progress more quickly

So if you have a co-infection, talk to your doctor about getting treated and cured for hepatitis C. Hepatitis C can be cured:

in 95% of cases,
in 8 or 12 weeks
with just pills
and little to no side-effects

There is no cure for hepatitis B, but it is an easily managed condition if you have regular check-ups with your doctor. If you have hepatitis B you can live a long and healthy life if you see your doctor every 6-12 months for monitoring.

Should you be tested for both?

Yes. If you are diagnosed with hepatitis B, your doctor should also test you for hepatitis C. The reverse is also true.

The only way to know if you have hepatitis B or hepatitis C is to get tested.

Read all about hepatitis B testing here >>

Read all about hepatitis C testing here >>

To find out where you can get tested in NSW, you can ask your doctor, search our online Local Services Directory, or call the Hepatitis Infoline.

Where to get support in NSW

If you have any questions about the above information, talk to your doctor or specialist. You can also call the Hepatitis Infoline on 1800 803 990 for free, confidential information. You can also look up our Local Services Directory to find hepatitis B or C doctors near you.

Can you have hepatitis B and hepatitis C at the same time?