ACCEPT:

• If it is a secondary infection (i.e. not the donor’s first cold sore) and the lesions are healing (i.e. scabbed over and there is no tingling) and there is no superimposed infection (signs of which may include redness and oozing)

 DEFER:

• Until fully healed if it donor’s first coldsore
• Until fully healed if it is not the donor’s first cold sore and the lesions are not healed 
• For 2 weeks from full recovery if there is a superimposed infection

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The herpes simplex viruses (HSV 1& 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 to recipients and therefore donors with an active infection cannot donate