Can you donate blood if you have herpes?

If you are feeling especially ill, either because of herpes symptoms or another disease, it is advised to defer donating blood at a later time. The stress on your body brought about by blood donation can trigger a herpes attack because of your weakened immune system. read more

Myth #4 People with herpes can’t give blood. According to the American Red Cross, people with genital or oral herpes may donate blood as long as they’re feeling healthy and don’t have any other restricted infections. Myth #5 People get herpes from sleeping with too many people. read more

While you are correct that persons infected with HIV or hepatitis are not able to give blood, people who have herpes are generally not restricted from donating. However, during a primary outbreak of herpes (the first outbreak), a person infected with herpes should not donate blood. read more