15 Blood Donation Facts: Benefits, Who Can Donate Blood And More
It is rightly said that you don’t need to become a doctor to save any individual’s life on this planet. For those who have not heard this phrase might wonder for whom it is used. The phrase points towards the significance of blood donation. Did you know that there are millions of people who are in need of blood that will help oxygen to circulate in all of their organs? These people can immensely benefit from blood donation. It is why you might see a blood donation camp at various places. Donating just about 470 ml of blood can help a person to safe the life of three people. If you are intrigued about how you can liberate many people from the problems they encounter because of the lack of sufficient quantities of blood, then keep reading to know more about it.
What Are the Benefits of Donating Blood?
Girl smiling, Credit: Canva
Stimulates the production of blood cells
Helps you burn calories and aids in weight loss
Helps you save a person’s life
Minimises the risk of heart diseases and cancer
Gives you a sense of fulfilment
Preserves the iron levels in your body
Key Facts of Blood Donation
blood donation camp, Credit: Canva
1. Who can donate blood
You must be 17 years and at a healthy body weight which should not be below 110 pounds.
2. Recovery after blood donation
You might wonder, after donating blood how long does it takes to recover? It does not take long for a person to recover after donating blood. Four to eight weeks are all that is needed.
3. Who cannot donate blood?
You cannot donate blood if you have had a hepatitis infection, are affected with AIDS, and have injected drugs on yourself.
4. What are the side effects of donating blood?
There are no severe side effects of blood donation. You might experience faintness, dizziness, or nausea. You might feel only one symptom at a time or it can be possible that you may feel all the symptoms at once.
5. How much blood is taken in a donation?
Approximately 0.5 liters of blood is taken at one time. It is a very small portion and does not lead to any major complications.
6. Can you donate blood if you have been administered a flu shot?
Yes, you can donate blood after the shot.
7. Can you donate blood if you suffer from high blood pressure?
If your blood pressure stays within the FDA regulation limits, then you can donate blood.
8. Can a person suffering from a cold or flu donate blood?
You cannot participate in blood donation if you are suffering from cold or flu.
9. Is a person who is deferred once eligible to donate blood?
You will be informed by the blood donation camp if you are permanently or temporarily deferred. They will give you a reason for being deferred.
10. Can you donate blood if you are consuming any medications?
Medicines like Ibuprofen and aspirin will not affect your eligibility but if you are taking medications other than that, you need to ask the blood donation center.
11. How long is the duration of the blood donation process?
It will take about one hour for you to complete the process that begins from registration and ends with you getting refreshments. The actual procedure of blood donation will take five to ten minutes.
12. How often can I donate blood?
You can donate blood within intervals of 56 days. It is highly encouraged to donate as often as possible if you are a healthy individual.
13. If you are ineligible to donate, what can you do about it?
If you are unable to participate in a blood donation camp, there is no need to despair. You can help the centre to recruit suitable donors.
14. After donation, what is the time period for the blood to replenish?
Two days or 48 hours is the time period in which a plasma replenishes itself.
15. Can a person engage in physical activity after blood donation?
It is not recommended for you to engage in strenuous physical activity for an entire day after donating blood.
Blood donation is a highly fulfilling form of activity through which you can potentially save another person’s life. It is something that every healthy individual should participate in to contribute positively to society.