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Hep C Discussion Forum -> Post Treatment -> Other infections
Post Info TOPIC: Other infections
wmlj1960


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RE: Other infections
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I agree that it would make sense that the immune system should function better after clearing the HCV and I'm counting on that happening after 7 more days of my 24 week Harvoni treatment (EOT). It's not what you're asking, but one thing I have found odd is that HCV does not seem to have a negative effect on my immune system based on my experience over the past 2 years. Being a long term HIV survivor I do have a badly compromised immune system which means I get HIV viral load and related lab test done often ~ once every 3 months. 47 weeks out of those 2 years I have been on treatment for HCV (Sov / Ribavirin 7/14 - 1/15) and Harvoni (7/15 - present). During the 6 months between those two treatments my HCV viral load climbed from UND up to ~700k, but my immune system CD4 count (main value to rate immune system functionality in HIV patients) continued to steadily climb during this time. This would suggest that the negative effect of HCV on the immune systems ability to fight off infections is much less significant than a compromised immune systems inability to fight of the HCV, or any other infection. One reason the % statistics for HCV infections in HIV+ persons is much higher than HIV- persons.

 HIV causes the immune system to be weak and autoimmune disorders and / or the treatments for them also cause the immune system to be weak. I'm sure HCV doesn't help matters but I don't think it has near as much effect. So I doubt being cured of HCV will do a whole lot to improve an immune system that is compromised by either HIV or Autoimmune disorders. Just my observation based on my personal lab history... but I could be wrong and hope I am.



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60 yo, geno 1a, Dx 1994 HCV-HIV co-inf, Dx 2013 decompensated cirrhosis
Tx #1 - 24wks Sov+Riba /SOT 7-24-2014/UND@EOT/DETECTED@EOT+16 wks
Tx #2 - 24wks Harvoni /SOT 7-25-2015/UND@EOT,+12,+24,+52 = SVR

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Linuxter


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Hi Ari-anna,

I'm not sure that this link addresses your question exactly but I found it useful in understanding a bit more about the immune system.

http://hepatitiscnewdrugresearch.com/faq-your-immune-system.html

There appears to be a ton of other great information on the site as well.

Hope it helps.

 

Lnx



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63yy,HCV,2b,F3-A1, Sof/Riba,12wks Tx   SOT: 1/20/16, HCV-RNA 9,816,581, ALT 56, Hb 14.6

4wk: HCV-RNA <15 Detected, ALT 15, AST 17, Hb 13.6 EOT: 4/12/16, ALT 18 , Hb 12.9176a2f85d05d9c965eafe199f2ba9ba5.jpg SVR Achieved 7/8/16

 
Tig


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Hi Arianna,

Lichen Planus is an annoying rash that affects a lot of HCV patients. We have had several discussions about it and like you, some experience different grades of severity. The hopeful piece of news is once you have cleared the Hep virus, you may see some resolution or improvement. 

As far as your immune system improving after treatment, I can't give you any definitive proof of that, but it seems likely. Since it doesn't have the constant battle against the hepatitis virus, you may notice some positive differences. Hopefully things like the lichen planus will improve.  Your susceptibility to common colds and flu always lessens when your body is in good shape. The simple fact that you will be healthier, stronger and clear of a very serious disease, has to support the belief that everything will be working in better harmony! 



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Ari-anna


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Hi - I am wondering how well the immune system works post treatment. Has anyone post treatment noticed if they get any less other other infections?

I have an autoimmune problem (lichen planus) - my specialist tells me it flares up when I have other infections (e.g. a cold or sinus infection) as my immune system is under stress. Maybe when the immune system is not forever busy fighting HCV, it might be able to better fight off a cold or flu?

How wonderful that would be - currently, even tho' I have annual flu jabs I catch every cold etc that comes anywhere near me. 

Thanks for your help



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Genotype 1a diagnosed 2005, Cirrhosis.

Pyglated Interferon/Ribavirin 2006, non-responder 

Viekira Pak/Ribavirin 24 weeks, virus undetected EOT 12 weeks SVR Feb 2016

New Zealand 64 yo
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