Flu Putting Damper on Blood Donations

This year’s flu epidemic is causing more than runny noses and high fevers; it’s also having a drastic effect on Ventura County blood banks.

Carolyn Tyner, executive director of United Blood Services, which operates county blood banks, said fewer people have been donating blood. Many of those who normally give blood are falling ill and must wait seven days after they are well to donate.

Desperately needed new donors are not appearing. Of the county’s population of 720,500, about 35,000 people have given blood, according to a database maintained by United Blood Services, Tyner said.

“We’re just not getting the response we usually get at this time of year,” Tyner said.

Each day 105 to 110 donors are required in order to meet area hospitals’ demand for blood. But only about 100 have donated daily since the shortage began Dec. 22. The bank is especially short of Type O blood, which can be given to people of all blood types.

If the shortage continues for another 10 days, Tyner said, she will have to tell hospitals that elective surgeries must be canceled. Borrowing blood from other blood banks is not an option, because they are already calling Tyner to ask for help with their own shortages.

Prospective donors may call (805) 654-8104 to schedule an appointment.