Yes , those who have herpes can donate blood, but not as long as there is an active lesion of the disease, whether labial or genital.
Thus, after the disappearance of these symptoms, the donor is fit again.
The herpes virus is not transmitted through blood, only through direct contact with the secretion of the wound – for example, through kissing, sharing personal objects or through sexual intercourse without a condom.
Therefore, after the symptoms of herpes disappear, the donation can be made normally.
However, depending on the type of herpes, it is important to pay attention to the criteria that the donation requires.
Read more: What are the Blood Types, rare types and universal donor
Contents
Who has the herpes virus can be a blood donor?
It can, but there are some criteria.
Both cold sores and genital herpes are caused by the simplex virus (type 1 or 2). There is also herpes zoster, which, despite its name, is not caused by the same herpes virus, but by the chickenpox zoster virus .
Therefore, there is a difference in the recommendation for donors:
Herpes simplex (labial or genital)
Patients who have been affected by the herpes simplex – or simplex – virus can donate blood.
The infection can be in the oral or genital region and causes wounds such as rashes, skin lesions and blisters.
As long as these manifestations are present, the patient is prevented from donating. But, after they disappear, the donation can be done smoothly.
Read more: Cold sores: what causes, symptoms and how to treat
Zoster
In the case of Herpes Zoster, the case is a little different. The disease is not caused by the same herpes virus, but by a version of the Varicella Zoster virus , the same as chicken pox .
In this case, blood donation can only occur after 6 months of healing.
Who has herpes can donate bone marrow?
Yes , bone marrow donation can be done if the donor has herpes. Other diseases considered sexually transmitted such as HPV , Chlamydia and Syphilis can also donate.
In these cases, patients can register as a donor and wait for the appointment to collect and analyze the marrow.
Remembering that the bone marrow is only removed for donation if there is a compatible person in need.
Who has herpes virus or HPV can donate blood?
Both herpes and HPV are STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) – STIs (sexually transmitted infections) – that do not prevent blood donation .
But the carrier will only be able to donate after the disappearance of the skin manifestations, which can be warts (in the case of HPV) or lesions and rashes (in the case of herpes).
Who can’t donate blood?
Donors cannot be those who:
- You have type I diabetes or type II diabetes with vascular injury;
- Received growth hormone or other similar drugs;
- Corneal transplantation or implantation of biological material based on dura mater;
- Received blood transfusions, blood components or blood products in the last 12 months;
- You have an acute infectious disease or a history of blood-borne infectious diseases, for example, malaria;
- You have or have had any type of cancer, including leukemia;
- You have severe lung, heart, kidney or liver problems;
- You have or have had brucellosis;
- You have already had hepatosplenic schistosomiasis;
- If you have undergone an organ or bone marrow transplant;
- You have a blood clotting problem;
- Have you ever had elephantiasis or leprosy;
- Had extra-pulmonary tuberculosis;
- He has had kala azar (visceral leishmaniasis).
Read more: Blood donation: requirements, how and who can donate blood
Who has herpes can donate blood and marrow! Following the guidelines correctly, it is possible to do good and help others.
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