An air carrier Captain addressed the unintended consequences of contractually limited sick leave for pilots. In particular the pressure such limitations place on pilots; causing them to fly while sick to avoid loss of pay and infecting other pilots; in turn forcing them to make the same difficult choices.

Narrative

My First Officer had a deep constant bronchial type cough. I became concerned since; due to my previous eight month LTD [Long Term Disability] due to a left knee [problem]; I had used all of my contractual 60 hours of sick time for the rest of the year. I did not have any additional sick time due to previous surgeries. I asked him if he was sick and he told me he has Acid Reflux and this causes him to cough extensively. I noticed he was taking over the counter cough drops and confronted him on his cough. I told him; it was my concern since I could not; did not want to get sick with his flu type bronchial coughs. He said he did not have any more sick time and could not afford to call in sick; nor did he want to file any paperwork with the Chief Pilot. Today; early in the morning; I began coughing as if I was at the beginning of a flu. I am taking constant medications to avoid developing deeper symptoms or developing any bronchial coughs.No sick time due to contractual agreements. 60 hours a years for the Pilots in the east is not enough. The environment in the East carries influenzas and Pollen congestions that will begin in March and re-occur in the fall. 60 hours will be easily depleted by the end of the summer.We need a better sick protection or you will have a lot of sick people flying that will make others sick.