Widespread flu causing severe decline in blood donations

The American Red Cross Blood Services, New York-Penn Region, says that widespread flu throughout the region has had a negative impact on blood collections. They are making an urgent call for healthy blood donors to give blood as soon as possible to help prevent a blood shortage. The Red Cross hopes to collect approximately 1,200 units of blood per day, but has collected less than that since January 25. In fact, the region collected 1,200 units or more only three days in January. A severe blood shortage is imminent should this trend continue. Additionally, type O-negative blood is on medical approval, requiring a Red Cross physician to approve the release of any unit requested by a hospital. The Red Cross is closely monitoring its supply of type O-negative blood to ensure it can continue to meet hospital needs.

"We are alarmed at the recent low blood collections, and greatly concerned about an impending blood shortage," stated John Burch, MD, chief medical officer, American Red Cross Blood Services, New York-Penn Region. "The Center for Disease Control has designated the flu as "widespread" in New York and Pennsylvania, and we know that the most common season for flu to peak is February. We've learned anecdotally through discussions with our sponsors, and through cancellation calls from donors, that the flu is preventing blood donors from giving blood. We're asking current blood donors and those who have never donated blood before who are healthy to please donate blood as soon as it is possible for them."

People who are at least 17-years-old, weigh at least 110-pounds and in general good health are eligible to donate blood. Those who have had a flu shot and are feeling well are eligible to donate blood. Donors who have the flu should wait until they are completely recovered before giving blood.

All current eligible and new donors are urged to schedule and keep appointments to donate blood by calling 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visiting www.DonateBloodNow.org. Identification is required at the time of donation to give blood.