DRC seeks blood donors Blood is scarce

Flu wave makes itself felt: DRK is looking for blood donors

02/16/2015

The blood donation service of the German Red Cross asks urgently for blood donations. In some regions, supplies of blood and blood products are dwindling rapidly. One reason for the decline in donations is the current flu epidemic. Blood donors can be almost anyone.

Less donors because of influenza
The number of flu cases is increasing in many regions of Germany. In Berlin and Brandenburg, the flu epidemic also makes itself felt at the German Red Cross (DRK). There the number of blood donations goes back, as the news agency dpa reports. The DRK blood donation service north-east said on Sunday in Berlin that next to the winter holidays had ensured that fewer donors come. He therefore precautionary called on all healthy people in the Mark and the capital to donate blood.

Supplies of blood and blood products decrease
„We want to prevent bottlenecks“, such a DRK spokeswoman. In order to meet the needs of the region, the German Red Cross needs about 800 blood donations each day in the Mark and Berlin. In addition to Berlin and Brandenburg, the blood donation service North-East covers the regions of Hamburg, Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein. There are also calls for blood donations from other regions in Germany. For example, from parts of Hesse or Baden-Württemberg, where according to press reports, the stocks of blood and blood products are currently decreasing rapidly. In particular, donors with the blood type „0 rhesus negative“ are searched.

Almost everyone can donate blood
Blood donors must be at least 18 years old and healthy. For first-time donors also applies that they may not be older than 65 years. If health permits, people can donate up to their 72nd birthday. Before taking the blood, blood pressure and heart rate of the donor are examined by a doctor. If not yet known, the blood type will be determined. Within one year, healthy men may donate blood up to six times, and women up to four times. There must be at least eight weeks between each donation.

Donation only takes a few minutes
The blood donation for which the identity card must be brought only takes a few minutes. A total of about one hour is required for registration, examination and snack. Certain groups of persons are permanently excluded as blood donors according to the guidelines of the German Medical Association. Among them are people with frequently changing sexual partners, male and female prostitutes, homosexuals, prison inmates and alcohol, drug and drug addicts. Other permanent exclusion criteria are diseases such as hepatitis, HIV or syphilis. (Ad)