Infection - Acute

See:
Is there is a specific entry for the disease you are concerned about?

Must not donate if:
a) Evidence of active infection

b) Less than two weeks from recovery.

c) Less than 7 days from completing systemic antibiotic, antifungal or antiviral treatment.

Common viral respiratory tract infections such as colds, sore throats and seasonal influenza, if recovering, accept. See additional information.

Cold sores, genital herpes, accept.
 

Congo Fever
Coronavirus Infection
Crimean Fever
Ebola Fever
Herpes - Genital
Herpes - Oral
Lassa Fever
Marburg Fever
MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus)
Myocarditis
Steroid Therapy
West Nile Virus

Many infections can be spread by donated material. It is important that the mother does not pose a risk of giving an infection to a recipient. Waiting two weeks from when the infection is resolved and seven days from completing systemic antibiotic, anti-fungal or antiviral treatment makes it much less likely that there will still be a risk of the infection being passed on.

There is no evidence that cold sores, genital herpes and common upper respiratory infections such as colds and sore throats can be passed on by donated material but it is still necessary to wait until any such infection is obviously getting better before allowing anyone to donate.

Three distinct types of influenza infection need to be considered separately: seasonal influenza, pandemic influenza and avian influenza. This guidance applies only to seasonal influenza; avian and pandemic influenza are out with the scope of this guidance. Donors with these diagnoses should not be accepted. Any outbreaks of avian or pandemic influenza will be communicated via public health alert guidance for professionals.

Seasonal influenza in the UK normally extends over a period of approximately 16 weeks during the winter months. Due to the spectrum of disease presentation, only the minority of infected individuals are tested for respiratory viruses and during the annual epidemics, most cases are diagnosed clinically. Systemic infection with viraemia is not a feature of seasonal influenza.
 

Unusual bacterial/fungal/protozoal infections 

Specialist microbiological advice should be sought when considering using cells and tissues from donors who have had unusual infections in the past, including those acquired outside of Western Europe. This should include infections common in immuno-compromised patients, or infections which lie dormant or may be difficult to eradicate.

Updated guidance regarding donors who are recovering from seasonal influenza.