Health - Icy conditions and infections: Fewer blood donations expected
The wave of colds and the nationwide onset of winter are currently resulting in fewer blood donations in Saxony, Berlin and Brandenburg. The supply situation is currently stable and the clinics are able to meet their registered needs, said Kerstin Schweiger, spokeswoman for the German Red Cross (DRK) North-East Blood Donor Service, on request. "But the trend is uncertain."
According to the DRK, the wave of colds and flu is currently picking up speed. Anyone who has symptoms such as fever and cough, but also suffers from diarrhea, should not donate blood. "This is also to protect your own body, because half a liter of blood is taken," explained Schweiger. An infection should be completely cured before donating blood.
In addition, there are numerous public holidays during the week and school vacations in December. The winter weather with ice and snow also makes it difficult for people to travel to the blood donation locations. "That's why we're asking everyone who is healthy: Book an appointment to donate blood in the coming days and weeks and ensure the care of seriously ill patients," emphasized Schweiger.
The DRK Blood Donor Service North-East is offering special appointments on Boxing Day and on December 23 and 30 in order to ensure the supply of blood to hospitals over the holidays and the turn of the year. Around 20 percent of blood reserves are needed for cancer patients alone. According to the German Red Cross, platelets, which are important for this group of patients, only have a shelf life of five days. Conventional blood reserves, on the other hand, have a shelf life of around six weeks.
Blood donation barometer
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- The icy conditions and the onset of winter have led to a wave of colds in Saxony, Berlin, and Brandenburg, causing a potential decrease in forthcoming blood donations, according to the DRK North-East Blood Donor Service.
- This wave of colds and flu epidemic is currently intensifying, as stated by the German Red Cross (DRK).
- The escalating infection rate is prompting warnings from the DRK, advising those with symptoms like fever, cough, or diarrhea to avoid donating blood to protect their own health and body.
- With the ongoing flu epidemic and the recent wave of colds, the DRK cautions that an infection should be fully cured before any blood donation.
- The inclement weather with slippery ice and snow affects travel and accessibility to blood donation locations, further posing challenges to their operations.
- Saxony, Berlin, and Brandenburg currently expect fewer blood donations due to winter's impact on travel and potential infections, but ensure hospital patients' needs are still being met.
- Leipzig has organized special appointments for Boxing Day, December 23, and 30, to secure blood supplies for hospitals during the festive season and year-end, in collaboration with the Red Cross.
- Platelets are particularly essential for cancer patients, as their shelf life is just five days, while conventional blood reserves last around six weeks.
Source: www.stern.de
