Too few blood donations due to influenza cell

State Medical Association calls for blood donation

04/03/2015

The stocks of blood products shrink in Hesse because of the current cold and flu epidemic more and more together. The State Medical Association therefore called for blood donation. Bottlenecks have also been reported from other areas in recent weeks.

Stocks of stored blood extremely low
In Hessen, supplies of stored blood are increasingly collapsing due to the current cold and flu epidemic. As the news agency dpa reports, a spokeswoman for the German Red Cross (DRK) said that the stocks are currently extremely low. The Hessian State Medical Association therefore called for blood donations. In a widespread communication states that in particular the blood group „0 Rhesus negative“ urgently needed. „Especially in emergency situations, when it has to be fast, this blood type is extremely important, because unlike other blood types it can be transmitted to all recipients“, declared the President of the Medical Association Gottfried von Knoblauch to Hatzbach.

Blood reserves shrunk because of carnival and flu epidemic
It is said that the blood reserves have shrunk in recent weeks, among other things, because of numerous carnival celebrations were occupied community centers and gymnasiums, which are otherwise available for donation appointments. To make matters worse is the current flu epidemic, because who is ill, may donate blood again only four weeks after the last symptoms. Basically every healthy person can donate blood between the ages of 18 and 70 years. However, first donors must not be older than 64 years. „With little time you can save lives. One should internalize this thought“, said the Hessian President of the Medical Association.

Blood type is determined
Before the blood takes only a few minutes, a medical examination is carried out, during which, inter alia, blood pressure and pulse are measured. The donor should schedule approximately one hour with registration, examination, blood collection and subsequent snack. If not known, the blood type will be determined. Healthy men are allowed to donate up to six times within one year and women up to four times. There must be at least eight weeks between each donation.

Do not forget identity card
For blood donation, the identity card must be brought. Some groups of persons are permanently excluded as blood donors according to the guidelines of the German Medical Association. These include, for example, 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)