Is this a bad time to donate blood?

[zackymilly]

I hear the blood bank has a shortage, but wondering if donating blood will weaken immune system and make one more susceptible to the virus.

[cwydro]

1. Of course not.

I’m a regular at the Red Cross Drives, though it hurts me because they cannot ever find a vein! I’ve gotten to the point where I say, two tries and that’s it. Not into pain. But I drink water and flex my arm in hopes it’s easier each time.

Give blood any time you can.

[Ms. Toad]

2. Donating blood will not harm you, unless you are already ill

or have other contraindications.

Just make sure to drink lots (of water) afterwards, and see if there is a way to minimize contact with people while you donate.

[cwydro]

3. Thank you.

Wish more would do this.

[uppityperson]

4. It's a good time to donate a there is need. It won't weaken your immune system

[tanyev]

5. I have an appt to donate in a couple weeks and I've been wondering about it.

I’m more concerned about how well they are disinfecting everything in the center and staff necessarily needing to be closer than the 6’ safe distance.

[Maeve]

6. The Red Cross is ADVERTISING for blood

Unless you're gay.

[wnylib]

7. No, does not weaken the immune system.

I have donated several times, though not recently. Your body will replace the lost blood and you will be fine. Some people feel a bit dizzy afterward but I never did. They will give you a carb snack when you are done. Then have a good, healthy protein meal later and relax for a few hours.

You will need to complete a health questionaire first and be tested for iron content.

I would not want to be receiving blood now. Ideally they would test for covid 19 first, but test kits are so limited that I doubt they are doing that. Maybe they have a way of treating donated blood to mske it safe. Don't know.

[Skittles]

8. it's never a bad time to donate blood

people need blood, and extreme care is already taken to be clean

I donated platelets three days ago - two hours with a needle in my arm, and I have donated almost 56 gallons (had some trouble lately passing the iron test or it would be more)

Also, you get a mini physical, they test your blood for all kinds of stuff

DONATE!!!!!

[Laffy Kat]

9. NO! They really need blood right now. nt

[safeinOhio]

10. Won't let me anymore.

Resting pulse is 42bpm.