Myths & Facts About Blood Donation
Kajal Thakur
Jun 14, 2020
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Every year on 14 June, countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day. The event, established in 2004, serves to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products, and to thank blood donors for their voluntary, life-saving gifts of blood. So, we are sharing some myths & facts which generally people think about blood donation.
Myth
Blood donation is time-consuming.
Fact
Blood donation takes 45 minutes to an hour, only.
The donation process itself takes barely 10-12 minutes but the entire process from filling out forms to taking refreshments after donation takes the amount of time.
Myth
High BP patients cannot be blood donors.
Fact
Those with blood pressure between 180 systolic and 100 diastolic can very well donate blood.
This frame might be considered high, but it does not isolate you from donating blood. Moreover, blood pressure medicines do not interfere with the process at all.
Myth
Blood donors become obese.
Fact
Blood donation doesn’t affect your body weight at all it remains unchanged unless you decide to reward yourself with too much junk post- donation and that, my friend, is your responsibility and has nothing to do with blood donation, so stop finding excuses.
Myth
If you smoke you cannot be a blood donor.
Fact
You can donate even if you are a smoker.
However, you must be at least 18 years old and weigh at least 50 kilograms. Also, you should avoid smoking for three hours after donating blood and also stay away from alcohol for 24 hours prior to donating blood.
Myth
Donating blood makes the immune system weak.
Fact
There is no such lasting danger to the immune system when you donate blood.
While the Red Blood Cells return to normal within a few days, the White Blood cells take a few weeks, however, if the body finds itself in danger, they can be produced quickly
Myth
Blood Donation Hurts.
Fact
The needle prick is the only pain one feels when donating blood. The area on the arm heals within a day or two. The weakness post donating blood can be dealt by drinking plenty of water and eating.
Myth
People with seasonal allergies don’t qualify for donating blood.
Fact
Seasonal allergies do not interfere with blood donation, just like any other mild cold and cough does not affect your daily routine. So, "I have a cold" is an absolutely lame excuse for not giving your blood to someone who needs it.
So, next time when you plan to donate blood do go through this article to avoid any such confusions.
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