Red Cross Q&A: Flu & blood donations

The Red Cross currently has an urgent need for blood and platelet donors of all blood types to help with the winter blood donation shortage.

A tough new flu strain is sweeping across the country. Whatever your reason for not donating, the Red Cross says having the flu or getting the flu shot shouldn't be one of them.

More than 16,000 blood and platelet donations have gone uncollected this month, alone, and 550 blood drives (28 across Massachusetts) had to be canceled due to winter weather.

>> RELATED: MGH seeing staggering increase in flu cases - with no relief in sight

"As long as you're symptom-free and fever-free, you can come in and speak with one of our medical health professionals. They'll go over a brief history with you and you should be able to donate," said Kelly Isenor, American Red Cross.

The Red Cross has posted frequently asked questions regarding influenza and the blood supply:

Q. How long do I have to wait to donate blood if I have had the flu?
A. Blood donors must feel healthy and well on the day of donation. You should wait until you no longer have flu symptoms, have recovered completely and feel well before you attempt to donate.  
 
Q. Can I get the flu from a blood transfusion?
A. No. Influenza virus has not been shown to be transmitted through blood transfusion. According to research, seasonal influenza does not appear to pose a significant contamination threat to the blood supply.
 
Q. Can I donate, or how long do I have to wait to donate, if I've had a flu vaccination?
A. You can donate after receiving the influenza vaccine if you are symptom-free and meet all other eligibility requirements. Neither the flu shot nor the intranasal form of the influenza vaccine is cause for a blood donation deferral because there is no risk of transmitting influenza after receiving the vaccines.

Q. How is the flu impacting the blood supply?
A. The flu season may cause a decline in local blood donations as donors experience flu-like symptoms.  Anyone who is not feeling well on the day of donation will be deferred from giving blood. Because donors are unable to keep their appointments, the Red Cross is seeing a lower-than-expected turnout at some scheduled blood drives.
 
Q. Are Red Cross staff members taking precautions to help prevent the spread of the flu?
A. Red Cross staff members take standard precautions to prevent the spread of the flu, including: frequent hand washing, cough etiquette, influenza vaccination, and appropriate management of ill staff members to minimize potential exposure.

American Red Cross:

CDC website:

Q: How do I sign up to donate?
A: Please call 1-800-RED CROSS or click here to schedule or cancel a blood donation appointment. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.  Eligible donors can call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or click here for more information and to make a blood donation appointment.

>> MORE FLU CONTENT FROM BOSTON 25 NEWS:

• 11 things parents need to know about the flu
• What is the H3N2 flu and how bad is flu season this year?
• Tips to prevent getting colds and flu; remedies
• Researchers say new drug could end the flu as we know it
• Flu cases on the rise in Massachusetts
• Influenza surveillance map: Where is the flu in my state?

Cox Media Group