Including | Genital and oral herpes. |
Obligatory | Must not donate if: Fresh lesions. |
Discretionary | a) If lesions are healing (scabbing over) and there is no tingling, accept.
b) If the donor is not immunosuppressed but taking long term prophylaxis with oral antiviral agents, accept. |
See if Relevant | Immunosuppression
If there is a history of other sexually transmitted infections, see: Sexually Transmitted Disease |
Additional Information | The herpes simplex viruses (HSV 1 and 2) can cause both cold sores and genital herpes. When the virus is actively multiplying it can cause tingling in the affected area and sores. There is a theoretical risk that the virus, or any secondary infection, could be passed on through transfusion. This is why donors with an active infection are not allowed to donate. |
Reason for change | This entry replaces the separate entries for 'Oral' and 'Genital' herpes.
A 'Discretionary' entry for oral prophylaxis with antivirals and 'Additional Information' have been added. |
Donor Information | If you wish to obtain more information regarding a personal medical issue please contact your National Help Line.
Please do not contact this web site for personal medical queries, as we are not in a position to provide individual answers. |