NOTE TO DONORS: Information on Cold and Flu Season
In anticipation of the upcoming flu season, Blood Bank of Delmarva is taking steps to maintain a healthy environment at its centers. Hand sanitizers have been placed at all facilities, and employees and volunteers are being urged to stay home if they are experiencing flu symptoms.
What is the flu?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The flu is not the same as a cold, although they share many of the same symptoms. The flu can cause mild to severe illness and can weaken the immune system, leaving it vulnerable to more serious infections. Some people, such as older people, young children, pregnant women and those with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease) are at an increased risk for complications. Every year in the United States, between 5% and 20% of the population gets the flu.
What are symptoms of the flu?
The flu usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms:
Fever (usually high)
Fatigue
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Sore Throat
Body Aches or Chills
Headache
Dry Cough
Runny or Stuffy Nose
Policy on giving blood with a cold or the flu:
In order to donate blood, you must be feeling well, in general good health and free of cold or flu symptoms. If you have an appointment to give blood and are feeling unwell, we ask that you please call 1 888 8-BLOOD-8 to reschedule your appointment for a later date when you have fully recovered. If you took antibiotics, you must wait 24 hours after the last dose and also be without cold or flu symptoms.
Will getting a flu vaccination defer you from giving blood?
There is no waiting period to donate blood after receiving a flu shot.
Still not sure if you are able to give blood? Please call 1 888 8-BLOOD-8.
For more information on the flu, visit www.cdc.gov/flu.
