Which statement is a RTP criterion for herpes simplex infection?

• A. The athlete must be free of systemic symptoms such as fever and malaise
• B. Antiviral therapy completion is not required
• C. No restriction on lesions for RTP
• D. Active lesions must be covered to participate

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that return-to-play decisions hinge on signs that the infection is truly under control and not spreading. When herpes simplex infection causes systemic symptoms like fever and malaise, it indicates the illness is more than just a few local lesions and the athlete may still be contagious. Being free of these systemic symptoms shows the body is recovering and the risk of widespread viral shedding is lower, making it the appropriate criterion for returning to activity.

Antiviral therapy status isn’t used as a strict gate for return; athletes can be on treatment and still be cleared to play once they’ve recovered clinically. The presence of active lesions or whether they’re covered isn’t the primary return-to-play determinant in this framing, though lesion status may influence precautions. So the best criterion focused on safety and contagiousness is the absence of systemic symptoms such as fever and malaise.