Introduction

SC4 was tasked by the 92 Bournemouth conference to examine the possible effects of AIDS in Air Traffic Control.

Definition

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), was first described in 1981 and was shown to be the result of infection with a virus, known internationally as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Discussion

AIDS is a disease in which the body’s natural immune system is increasingly damaged so that it can no longer defend the body against various infections and cancers. Two types of HIV have been identified to date: HIV 2 appears to lead more slowly to AIDS than HIV 1, but both are transmitted by the same modes and the resulting cases of AIDS seem to be indistinguishable.

Once infected with HIV, individuals remain infectious for the rest of their lives. There is no known cure for AIDS nor is there any preventative vaccine to prevent infection. However, the virus is not robust and can not easily exist out of human bodily fluids. It can be destroyed by heat (in the preparation of blood products) or by bleach of the cleansing of contaminated surfaces.

SC4 looked at the condition from two main aspects:

i) Working with a colleague identified as HIV positive; and

ii) The work prospects of an ATCO identified as HIV positive.

Working with a colleague identified as HIV positive. There are four known modes of transmission of the virus:

a) Unprotected sexual intercourse;

b) Use of contaminated needles or syringes;

c) Transfusions of infected blood or blood products;

d) From mother to baby.

The virus cannot be transmitted by contagion: not by touch, or by cups or cutlery properly cleaned, or even coughing or sneezing.

There is no evidence of HIV infection from any washroom facilities. Normal working conditions or social contact in an ATC environment mean, therefore, that there is little likelihood of catching the virus from a colleague. Only when there has been an accident with associated copious bleeding is there a theoretical risk, especially if first aid is required, when great care should be exercised. Indeed, the HIV positive person is probably more at risk from a “healthy” colleague who might be carrying an infection of a minor disease such as flu or a common cold. Thus anyone giving first-aid treatment to an HIV positive person must be as cautious about giving an infection as catching the HIV virus themselves.

Because of the natural anxieties of ATS personnel may have a HIV positive colleague, SC4 believes there is a need for appropriate education and counselling which would be to their mutual benefit.

The work prospects of an ATCO identified as HIV positive

It is worth remembering that a person who is HIV positive can remain generally healthy for, on average, 8 to 10 years (although this can vary considerably) and that some AIDS related illnesses respond to therapy. In between bouts of illness the individual concerned may feel quite well and capable of work, perhaps for years. It should be noted that a person need not be aware of being HIV positive for some considerable period of time after infection occurs. On the other hand, it should also be said that the range of “opportunistic” infections which characterise AIDS is large and still increasing. Some of these diseases can have immediate effect on work fitness: chronic diarrhoea, for example, or changes in psychological function such as fits or other disturbed behaviour. And HIV positive persons inevitable take longer to recover from infections. Decisions therefore about fitness for work should be made only by the appropriate medical authority.

Conclusions

Because the HIV virus is not robust and transmission of the disease requires transfer of bodily fluids, there is no evidence of any risk of infection in normal working contract in the ATC environment or from eating and drinking utensils or from any washroom facilities. First-aid precautions appropriate for Hepatitis are considered adequate for administering first aid to HIV positive persons.

ATCOs diagnosed HIV positive should not be disqualified unless it is determined by the appropriate medical authority that there are secondary complications or illnesses which in themselves would be disqualifying. Therefore they should be treated by their employer as fit for work unless declared unfit by the appropriate medical authority.

ATS personnel should be educated on HIV and AIDS. Counselling service on HIV should be made available to any ATS personnel.

Recommendations

ATCOs diagnosed as HIV positive should be treated by their employer as fit for work unless declared unfit by the appropriate medical authority.

ATS personnel should be educated on HIV and AIDS.

Counselling service on HIV should be made available to any ATS personnel.