Blood donation comes with stringent safety protocols designed to protect both the donor and the recipient. Many individuals with common medical conditions, including various infections, often wonder if they meet the eligibility requirements. Genital herpes, caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-2) or sometimes HSV-1, is a highly common viral infection, and its presence often raises questions about blood donation eligibility. The guidelines surrounding this infection are based on decades of research into viral transmission and blood product safety.
Blood Donation Eligibility for Individuals with Genital Herpes
Most individuals who have a history of genital herpes are fully eligible to donate blood, provided they meet all other general health requirements. A past diagnosis of HSV-1 or HSV-2 does not automatically disqualify a person from donating. Blood donation centers focus on the donor’s current health status and the presence of active symptoms, rather than a historical diagnosis.
The guidelines from major organizations, such as the American Red Cross, specifically state that genital herpes is not a cause for deferral if the potential donor is feeling healthy and well. This policy reflects a clear understanding of how the virus is transmitted and its minimal impact on the safety of the blood supply. The screening process aims to identify risks of bloodborne transmission, which herpes simplex virus does not typically pose.
Why Herpes Simplex Virus is Not a Blood Safety Concern
The Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) differs from pathogens that are major blood safety concerns, such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or HIV. These high-risk viruses circulate consistently in the bloodstream, making them easily transmissible through transfusion. In contrast, HSV is a neurotropic virus that primarily infects and resides in nerve cells and epithelial tissue, which are not components of donated blood.
While HSV is highly contagious through direct contact with lesions or bodily fluids, it is not considered a bloodborne pathogen. The virus rarely achieves high concentrations, or viremia, in the bloodstream. When it does, it is usually transient and occurs mainly during a primary infection. For individuals with a chronic, recurrent infection, the risk of transmitting the virus through blood is considered low. Blood banks screen for pathogens that can survive and cause infection in a recipient’s blood supply, a category HSV generally falls outside.
Temporary Deferral Rules Based on Symptoms
Despite general eligibility, a person with genital herpes is temporarily deferred from donating if they have signs of an active infection on the day of donation. The primary concern for deferral is the presence of fresh lesions or sores, which indicates the virus is actively multiplying. Donors must wait until all symptoms have fully resolved, with some guidelines suggesting a wait time until lesions are completely healed and scabbing over.
The rationale for deferral during an active outbreak is two-fold: to protect the recipient from any theoretical risk and to ensure the donor is in optimal health. Any active systemic infection, including one associated with a herpes outbreak, can affect the donor’s overall wellness. If a donor is experiencing symptoms like fever, malaise, or is otherwise feeling unwell, they should not donate until they feel completely healthy.
Antiviral Medication Use
If a donor is taking an antiviral medication, they may need to wait at least 48 hours after finishing the course before donating. Furthermore, long-term suppressive therapy is generally acceptable if the donor is asymptomatic.