Herpes

After contracting cold sore for the first time the donor must wait for two weeks after getting better or two weeks after the course of possible treatment is finished.

A recurring labial herpes (cold sore) or herpes elsewhere on the skin prevents blood donation until the blisters have dried into scabs. Any medication (topical, oral or prophylactic) for the treatment of herpes does not prevent blood donation.

The first symptomatic period of herpes on the mucosae of the genitals prevents blood donation for four months. Symptomatic periods that occur later on prevent donation until the blistering phase has passed and the blisters have dried. Any medication (topical, oral or prophylactic) used for the treatment of a reoccurring genital herpes does not prevent donation.

​Would you like more information? Please call the free information number for blood donors on 0800 0 5801 (Mon to Fri from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).