Is it safe to donate blood during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Is it safe to donate blood during the COVID-19 pandemic?

If you are healthy and interested in donating blood, the FDA encourages you to contact a local donation center to make an appointment. One way to make a difference during a public health emergency is to donate blood if you are able.

Does blood type affect the risk of severe illness from COVID-19?

In fact, the findings suggest that people with blood type A face a 50 percent greater risk of needing oxygen support or a ventilator should they become infected with the novel coronavirus. In contrast, people with blood type O appear to have about a 50 percent reduced risk of severe COVID-19.

Can COVID-19 be transmitted by blood transfusion?

In general, respiratory viruses are not known to be transmitted by blood transfusion, and there have been no reported cases of transfusion-transmitted coronavirus.

What are the reasons deny you from donating blood?

You are anaemic Anaemia is a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells in your body.

You are on Antibiotics Are you taking antibiotics for an acute infection?

You Have a High Fever If you have a temperature above 99.5 F,you may not donate.

You are Pregnant If you are pregnant,wait six weeks after giving birth.

Does the Red Cross really sell donated blood to hospitals?

For many donors and people thinking about donating, it may not be common knowledge that the Red Cross is selling their donated blood. On the official American Red Cross website, the ‘What Happens to Donated Blood’ outline implies that the distribution to hospitals is being given away freely and simply states under the ‘Distribution’ heading: “Blood is available to be shipped to hospitals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

Does Red Cross pay platelet donation?

Yes, if you have type AB blood and your local American Red Cross Donation Center does not currently offer plasma-only donations, platelet donation is your next best option. You can give a platelet and plasma donation at the same time. Only 4% of the U.S. population has type AB blood, which makes it extremely rare.

What are the restrictions on donating blood?

You must weigh at least 110 lbs to be eligible for blood donation for your own safety. Students who donate at high school drives and donors 18 years of age or younger must also meet additional height and weight requirements for whole blood donation (applies to girls shorter than 5’6″ and boys shorter than 5′).