Hiv & Hep C

HIV and Hepatitis C are RNA viruses, but different types of RNA viruses (HCV Advocate, 2012). HIV mostly infects immune cells whereas Hepatitis C infects liver cells. HIV and Hepatitis C are both blood borne but the Hepatitis C virus is 10 times more concentrated in blood than HIV, making Hepatitis C more easily transmitted (HCV Advocate, 2012). HIV is commonly transmitted through sex (anal and vaginal), HIV infected needles, and infected mothers passing the virus onto their children (through birth). Hepatitis C is commonly transmitted by the sharing of Hepatitis C-infected needles. Though not as common, it can also be transmitted through sex and from mother-to-child.

HIV and Hepatitis C can be prevented by never injecting drugs (or doing so safely – not that it’s really “safe” but using a new needle every time will reduce the risk of becoming infected), practicing safe sex (and being monogamous), and not sharing items that may come in contact with another person’s blood.

Once infection occurs, on-going medical treatment is often necessary. For HIV, treatment is aimed at lowering HIV viral load, increasing immune cell counts and preventing long-term consequences of infection (HCV Advocate, 2012). Individuals infected with HIV or Hepatitis C also need to be educated on the virus itself and how to keep those close to them safe (Straub, 2014). They should also seek psychological treatment to address the issue and develop healthy coping methods (Straub, 2014).

Some of the biggest ethical issues surrounding HIV and Hepatitis C infection are confidentiality and disclosure. Other ethical issues include treating infected individuals the same as uninfected individuals, giving the same level of care and attention to both.

In Tennessee, criminal exposure of another to HIV is a Class C felony. If a person knowingly exposes another to the HIV virus through intimate contact, contaminated drug paraphernalia, or intentional through the intentional transfer of bodily...