Can I donate blood if I have genital herpes?

[Peter P]

Hey how are you guys? I hope you are well. Thanks for this space, it’s been very useful for me. I have a question. Can I donate blood if I have type 2 herpes?

[mr_hopp]

Hey there! I'm doing well, thanks for asking. Glad to hear this space has been helpful for you.

Yes, you can donate blood even if you have type 2 herpes. Herpes is not a blood-borne disease; it's spread through skin-to-skin contact. While herpes antibodies can be detected in blood, they don’t pose any risk of transmission through blood donation. So, you’re good to go!

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Take care!

[AnnieO]

Yes. I've been donating for over 20 years. They don't even ask about STDs  on their questionnaire. They will run it prior to transfusions for any blood transmissible disease and they will contact you if there is an issue. 

[Phoenix08]

Absolutely!