Giving blood right now? (sinus, infection, health issue, surgery)

[WorldKlas]

I’m 71 years old and was a regular blood contributor until March of this year. I didn’t do my usual donation in March because we were going to Mexico on March 2nd and I didn’t want to lower my resistance to infection prior to a trip. When we returned, all the pandemic issues were going on.

I am getting constant reminders from Vitilent to make donations because the blood supply is low and I have O Blood type so its a very needed contribution. However, at age 71, I am deeply concerned for my health in the current Covid-19 environment and keeping my ability to respond to infection at optimal physical ability.Am I being overly cautious? I feel very guilty for only making one blood donation in 2020 thus far.

[reebo]

I’m not sure donating lowers your immune system. My daughter and I, both type O-, donated last week. The only restrictions are on vigorous exercise post donation. The Mayo Clinic website lists no immu e issues with donating blood.

[Parnassia]

This might be of interest OP:

https://www.phlebotomyexaminer.com/h...ect-your-body/

[WorldKlas]

Thanks. Still pretty uncertain......but likely will make a donation at a time I am quite sure I will be homebound for a while after making a donation...

[puginabug]

I’m planning on going to donate in the next couple of weeks. I’ve been an intermittant blood donor for many years. Vitalant is now testing for Covid-19 antibodies, and I’m pretty curious if I have had it.

Donating whole blood is such a quick, painless thing, and it helps so many.

[cat1116]

I did see that FDA has loosened the requirements that were previously imposed on those serving on military bases during the Mad Cow disease. However; the Red Cross states that they are not yet prepared to accept this FDA deferral update.

[city living]

Originally Posted by WorldKlas

I’m 71 years old and was a regular blood contributor until March of this year. I didn’t do my usual donation in March because we were going to Mexico on March 2nd and I didn’t want to lower my resistance to infection prior to a trip. When we returned, all the pandemic issues were going on.

I am getting constant reminders from Vitilent to make donations because the blood supply is low and I have O Blood type so its a very needed contribution. However, at age 71, I am deeply concerned for my health in the current Covid-19 environment and keeping my ability to respond to infection at optimal physical ability.Am I being overly cautious? I feel very guilty for only making one blood donation in 2020 thus far.

I do not think donating will keep you from responding optimally to an infection. Your hemoglobin has to be high enough that when you donate, you're still at or above normal hemoglobin levels. I believe they are making people make appointments to have people keep distance and also so they can disinfect between people.

I am getting a lot of reminders too but they make it hard to schedule, even at my own job.

[VTsnowbird]

I donated in late April, at the hospital donation center, no problems. I have never heard it lowers your immunity.

[athena53]

I'm 67 and still donating regularly- last 2 were late March and late May. I'm in excellent health, do over an hour of cardio every day and the last serious health issue I had was a bad sinus infection last October. I joked that I DID have trouble breathing in mid-March but I was in Bolivia at 12,000-ft. altitude!

The need for blood will be greater as postponed non-emergency surgery starts up and the blood bank I use doesn't take walk-ins anymore because of the need to schedule so there's enough distancing so that decreases the pool of available donors.

[Flamingo13]

I know blood banks have been asking for donations - I never used to weigh enough (although w/the staying at home I might be over the edge?) - I personally encourage those that can donate to do so.