Demystifying blood donation
Donating blood is a very noble act. There are several myths surrounding blood donation. Here we try to bust some of them and bring to you the facts.
Blood donation is painful!
False. Blood donation is a painless procedure. The only thing you will feel is the prick of the needle, which is very similar to the sensation you feel when you go in for a blood test.
Blood donation will make me weak!
False. Your body needs a day or two to replenish the fluid volume it has lost due to blood donation. It takes about three months for the body to produce new red cells to replace the ones donated. This doesn’t mean that you will become weak and drained out. Hydrating drinks like juices, coconut water, etc. make you feel fresh and energetic. At the most, you may feel a bit dizzy for a while.
Donating blood frequently is not correct!
False. One can safely donate blood up to a maximum of 4 times a year. The body needs 3 months to replenish the red cells that were donated. After that it is ready to donate again.
I will have to take rest for an entire day after I donate blood!
False. You do not need to rest for an entire day. You may feel a bit dizzy for a couple of hours, but that is all. However, you do need to keep in mind the following: 1. Drink plenty of juices and fluids after you have donated blood 2. Do not over-exert the arm from which the blood was drawn. 3. Do not drive for 2-3 hours after donating blood. 4. Do not smoke or consume alcohol for at least 24 hours after you donate blood.
Donating blood will affect my BP and blood sugar levels!
False. Donating blood will have no effect on your blood pressure or sugar levels. You are allowed to donate blood only if these levels are normal in the first place. If you are diabetic and take insulin, then you will not be allowed to donate blood.
Blood donation will give me anemia!
False. Donating blood is not a reason for you to develop iron-deficient anemia. A diet deficient in iron-rich foods is the cause for that.
I am not the right age to donate blood!
True. If you are below 18 years of age or over 60 years of age, you will not be allowed to donate blood.
I am pregnant, so I can’t donate blood!
True. If you are pregnant, you should not donate blood till a minimum of six weeks post delivery. Similarly breast-feeding mothers are also asked to refrain from donating blood as the decrease in fluid volume may affect blood supply.
I am on medications, I cannot donate blood!
True. You will be asked if you are on any medications before you donate blood. People on aspirin, steroids, hormonal pills, drugs for blood pressure, anticoagulants, or asthma medications are not allowed to donate blood.
I smoke and drink alcohol regularly, I cannot donate blood!
While you will have to abstain from alcohol for a minimum of 24 hours before you donate blood and cigarettes and tobacco for an hour prior to donating blood, these are no reasons why you should not donate blood ever.
Donating blood will give me HIV!
False. The blood donation centers follow strict WHO protocols and the chances of you getting infected while you donate blood is almost nil.
Donating blood will make me fat!
Donating blood is a very noble act. There are several myths surrounding blood donation.One of them is as: Blood donation is painful! False. Blood donation is a painless procedure. The only thing you will feel is the prick of the needle, which is very similar to the sensation you feel when you go in for a blood test.
