H1N1 Fears Affecting Blood Donations

At the American Red Cross' busy Midtown Blood Center Wednesday there was a sign of the times.

"We have signs up at every donor center and blood drive saying if you are feeling feverish, if you're experiencing flu like symptoms such as headaches, aches and cough, runny nose or sore throat, we're asking them not to donate," said April Phillips.

Since July, Phillips, a communication specialist with the American Red Cross, said blood donations have dropped about three percent nationwide. Philips said it is hard to know if the H1N1 flu is to blame, or something else.

Philips said it's still OK for people to give blood if they've had the H1N1 flu, as long they are healthy when they donate. Philips also said there's no wait time between getting vaccinated and giving blood.

"We do ask people if they are not doing well, feeling well a day or two later, to give us a call. At that time the blood is discarded from those donors if they're feeling feverish or exhibiting signs of flu like symptoms," said Philips.

Donated blood is kept for a couple of days while it's tested for infectious disease like West Nile Virus and HIV. Phillips said because donors have to be healthy to donate, there's no need to test the blood for flu.

"Additionally there is no clear evidence the flu is transmitted via the blood supply. So there's no need to run screening on healthy and well donors," said Philips.

The need for blood is constant. There seems to be a greater demand during the holidays, but there is a constant need for blood. Every year four million Americans receive blood transfusions, so it's very important to continue giving, if you're able to.