Blood Donation is a purely voluntary yet extremely essential procedure that any healthy man or woman can take up to serve as a lifeline for the ailing person. In India, the first records of voluntary blood donation can be traced to 1942 when the first blood bank was established in Kolkata to save the precious lives of those injured on the battlefield. To celebrate the milestone of the 20th anniversary of Blood Donation Day, 2024 year’s theme for World Blood Donor Day is 'Thank You Blood Donors!' to acknowledge the efforts of mankind that have helped save many lives besides encourage more people to come forward in this appreciable effort.
Also Read: World Blood Donor Day 2023: Theme, Significance, Dos and Don’ts of Blood Donation
While you may love the thought and be eager to donate blood, the following questions may cross your mind while you plan to become an active blood donor and sometimes you may have these apprehensions:
What Are Some Common Myths About Blood Donation?
Some myths often arise due to misconceptions or lack of information. Some common myths include concerns about pain, fear of needles, the belief that blood donation can make the body weak, or misconceptions about the precise eligibility criteria.
Who Should Not Donate Blood?
Individuals who should not donate blood include those with certain medical conditions like HIV, hepatitis, or certain cancers, those who have recently gotten a tattoo or piercing, individuals with low iron levels or anemia, pregnant women, and those who have recently traveled to areas with high risks of infectious diseases.
How Many Times Can You Give Blood In a Year?
Typically, individuals can donate whole blood every 8 weeks or 56 days. However, this may vary depending on the donation center’s guidelines and the health status of the donor.
Which Is the Rarest Blood Group And May Have Difficulty Receiving Blood?
The AB negative (AB-) blood group is the rarest, making up only about 1% of the population. Individuals with AB- blood may have difficulty receiving compatible blood due to its rarity.
What Is The Most Common Blood Group And Can Donate To All?
The O-positive (O+) blood group is the most common, with around forty of the population having this blood type. O+ donors are often called universal donors because their blood can be transfused to patients with A, B, or AB blood types, making it highly valuable in emergencies.
Also Read: World Blood Donor Day: 5 Common Myths Debunked
Once a successful donation has been made, there are certain precautions that every blood donor must be aware of. Following them will result in quick recovery and increase the chances of another blood donation after eight weeks. Here are the most important of all:
Hydration Is Must
Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to replenish lost fluids and maintain proper hydration. This helps prevent dizziness and fatigue post-donation.
Eat A Nutritious Diet
Consume iron-rich foods like leafy greens, lean meats, and fortified cereals to replenish iron stores depleted during donation. Incorporate vitamin C-rich foods to augment proper iron absorption.
Rest To Recover Quickly
Allow your body time to recuperate by avoiding strenuous activities for the rest of the day. Adequate rest promotes healing and helps prevent post-donation weakness.
Alcohol and Smoking Must Be Avoided
Refrain from alcohol consumption and smoking for at least twenty-four hours post-donation. These substances can interfere with the body's ability to recover and may exacerbate potential side effects.
Monitor For Symptoms
Pay attention to your body and watch for any signs of adverse reactions, such as light-headedness, nausea, or excessive bruising. Seek medical attention if you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms.
(This article is reviewed by M Sowmya Binu Health And Nutrition Expert)
References:
- Blood Donation
David J. Myers1; Ryan A. Collins.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525967/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10638672/
