ABSTRACT
For decades now, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has been a source of controversy and stigma both in society and in the field of aviation medicine. There have been many advances in our understanding of the virus and the ways in which infection can be better managed. These have resulted in significant changes in life expectancy. New areas of interest have arisen around living with chronic infection for 40 years or more and the long term effects of antiretroviral medication. Despite the better outlook, it is likely that many HIV-positive flight crew do not declare their condition to their aviation medicine practitioner until many years after initial infection. This could be because they are unaware that they have been infected or because they are afraid of the impact on their flying career. This chapter seeks to provide an overview of HIV infection and the key areas for aeromedical consideration.
