An Awkward Question

[resolute]

I received a PM noting how my above post could potentially be misinterpreted.

In case there is any misunderstanding:

1. By mentioning that STD's / HSV are common, what I mean is that, as the CF is a "microcosm of Canadian society" and these maladies are common amongst Canadians in general, it follows that they are common amongst serving CF personnel (i.e. I did not mean to imply that they are any MORE common amongst soldiers).

2. I see there was a separate question about HIV status and candidates wishing to enrol.  Unlike my explanation for HSV, I'd say pretty much the opposite for HIV.  While it is no longer considered a "death sentence" as it once might have been, it is treated as a "complex chronic disease" with risk of acute exacerbations.  Not only do we generally not enrol people with such afflictions, we often release them as well.  I'd probably compare a new diagnosis of HIV a bit like a new diagnosis of type I diabetes.  An individual, if properly monitored and cared for, can be quite "healthy" for several years with either diagnosis, but progression and complications are almost inevitable, and somewhat unpredictable.  We are always supposed to look at things on case by case basis, to be fair to the individual and to comply with human rights legislation.  But practically speaking, certain diagnoses (as described above), almost certainly lead to rejection from enrolment or eventual release.

Hope that clarifies things.  Sorry for any confusion.

 

[Scott]

I received a PM noting how my above post could potentially be misinterpreted.

In case there is any misunderstanding:

1. By mentioning that STD's / HSV are common, what I mean is that, as the CF is a "microcosm of Canadian society" and these maladies are common amongst Canadians in general, it follows that they are common amongst serving CF personnel (i.e. I did not mean to imply that they are any MORE common amongst soldiers).

Thanks Doc. I has raised eyebrows and was just counting the ticks until the great CBC ATI and subsequent expose on how the troops are all getting a dose.

 

[ModlrMike]

I think it would be difficult to substantiate a G2O2 status with an HIV diagnosis.

In addition, there are considerable administrative limitations, ie: you couldn't train in the US for example. There are also other countries that have an absolute bar on entry for pers with HIV.

As to HSV, probably not a problem. To echo other here, have sufficient antivirals on hand during basic.

 

[Armymedic]

The permanent category would have to be O4 and G4 or G5 depending on the progress of the disease.

http://www.forces.gc.ca/health-sante/pd/CFP-PFC-154/AN-Gapp1pg6-eng.asp 

26. HIV Infections. Considerations of a general nature, and irrespective of symptomatology, include:

    Extent of disease and subsequent deterioration
        although some individuals with HIV may remain asymptomatic for years, there is a substantial risk of developing significant and limiting clinical disease;
        the deterioration is difficult to predict for each individual and it may occur suddenly and rapidly; and
        the medical services available in all locales may not be adequate to manage this deterioration.
    (Current) ability to perform MOC tasks
        the direct constitutional and neurological effects of HIV infections, the medical follow-up, and the monitoring of the side-effects of drugs, as well the secondary effects of associated neoplasms and opportunistic infections could adversely affect a member's ability to fully perform the tasks and duties of his / her MOC; and
        chronic fatigue, excessive weight loss, persistent diarrhea, anaemia and dementia must be assessed as limiting factors for full employability.
    Risk to the Individual
        because of a deficient immune system, the member with HIV is susceptible to opportunistic infections which vary in prevalence throughout the world;
        similarly these members are not candidates for some vaccines (live) which would otherwise be protective, and even with attenuated vaccines, an appropriate immune response is not guaranteed; and
        the opportunistic infections (e.g., TB) which they might acquire may also pose a risk of infection to coworkers.
    Clinical follow-up
        frequent care by a GDMO and / or specialists may be required, particularly when laboratory parameters are abnormal;
        the sophisticated diagnostic testing required may only be available within fourth line facilities; and
        as new treatment regimes are developed, they are generally only available in tertiary centres and could be of an experimental nature.





A-MD-154-000/FP-000 - ANNEX G