Cold and flu season puts a strain on the Blood Service as regular donors cancel their donation appointments due to illness.
“To meet the needs of Australian patients, we really need 5,000 additional people to donate over the next two weeks,” Blood Service spokesperson, Helen Walsh said.
Their data shows around 1,400 donors are canceling their appointments every day.
“We haven’t seen cancellations this high since March 2017, and as the number of people suffering cold and flu symptoms increases, it limits the number of regular donors who are able to give.
The Blood Service is urging people with O and A blood types to donate, as these blood types are particularly valuable.
"If you are O-negative, someone in your family could be too. We're asking people to talk to their family and encourage them to donate," she said.
“We need people who are fully recovered from colds or the flu, and those who have avoided it, to take the place of those who are unable to answer our call,” Ms Walsh said.
Anyone who had their flu vaccinations are still able to donate and potential donors affected by cold and flu symptoms are able to give blood seven days after making a full recovery.
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