Anyone Donate Blood? - Herpes Message Board

renessa14 · 01-18-2005, 06:38 PM

I have been an avid blood donor for years. When I found out that I had herpes I called the donor room to find out if I could still donate. They told me that as long as I was not having an outbreak and not on suppressives that it would be fine. What are your views on this? I don't know how we can have this virus, but donating wouldn't pass it along. Let me know if anyone else is a donor and how it has worked for you.

GvilleGirl · 01-18-2005, 06:53 PM

Herpes is not a blood disease. It's a virus from other bodily fluids. Hince the fact you can donate blood and work in an environment such as a hospital without being tested for it.

beaker24 · 01-19-2005, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GvilleGirl

Herpes is not a blood disease. It's a virus from other bodily fluids. Hince the fact you can donate blood and work in an environment such as a hospital without being tested for it.

Herpes is transmitted not by bodily fluids, but by skin to skin contact.

SweptUnder · 01-19-2005, 09:07 PM

It's not swimming around in your bloodstream, but rather, hiding out in your ganglia and using the nerves during breakouts.

renessa14 · 01-21-2005, 04:06 PM

Okay, thanks for easing my mind. I was a little worried about infecting someone else this way, even though I didn't receive it from blood, but through skin to skin contact.

I had seen some posters say that that had a blood test to determine they had the herpes virus, but my doctor didn't diagnose me this way, he swabbed the actual sore itself.

I feel better now. I love doing my part in giving blood. Just hit 3 gallons!!