According to the NHS Blood and Transplant website Give Blood, more than 25% of people in the UK will require blood from a donor at some point in their lives, and only 4% of adults are currently donating their blood to the cause.
With so many people needing blood from donors in emergencies and for long-term treatments, it is important that the individuals who can give blood do so.
What is donated blood used for?
Not only is blood given to people who have a lost a lot of their own blood due to an injury, but the red cells, plasma, and platelets which make up blood are used in cancer, blood disease, and anaemia treatments, as well as during transplant surgeries and in the treatment of burns. This list is not exhaustive. Donated blood has many useful medical purposes.
I have a cold sore - can I give blood?
Primary infection
If you are suffering from your very first outbreak, you will not be allowed to give blood. During the primary outbreak it is possible for the HSV-1 virus which causes cold sores to enter the bloodstream.
In a study by Richard A. Zuckerman titled The Clinical Spectrum of Herpes Simplex Viremia*, he states that "HSV DNA has been found in the blood in 34% of children with primary gingivostomatitis**, in 24% of adults with primary genital herpes, and in 20% of persons with reactivation herpes labialis."
Recurring outbreaks
Despite Zuckerman's research stating that the virus' DNA has been found in the blood of those who already suffer recurring outbreaks, as long as your cold sore has dried up and is healing, you should be able to give blood.
If your cold sore is still in an active stage, you will probably not be able to give blood. You might also be turned away if you have recovered from your most recent outbreak but are still feeling under-the-weather.
About 10% of an adult's blood is taken from them during blood donation, so understandably you will need to be feeling well before you undergo this procedure. It is a safe and simple procedure, but one that can be quite exhausting and cause dizziness even in those who are completely healthy.
I have a cold sore - how do I get rid of it quickly?
If you are suffering from a cold sore and want to ease symptoms and speed healing, purchase a tube of Herstat's treatment ointment today. Using only naturally derived and naturally occurring ingredients, we have developed a highly effective cold sore treatment.
In trials participants were free of all symptoms by day seven of their outbreaks. Research also found Herstat to be more effective against cold sores than the active ingredients in some well-known brand products.
Where can I give blood?
If you would like to give blood, click here to be taken to the Give Blood site and find a session in your area.
*Viremia is the presence of viruses in the bloodstream
**Gingivostomatitis is an infection of the mouth and gums that children often develop after being exposed to the HSV-1 virus for the first time.
Image © blood.co.uk
