BRATTLEBORO — As influenza activity picks up this fall, the American Red Cross is urging healthy donors of all blood types to give blood or platelets to ensure a strong blood supply for patients in need.
Blood and platelets can be given only by donors who are feeling well.
One way to maintain health is to get a flu vaccine each fall. There is no waiting period to give blood or platelets after receiving a flu shot as long as the donor is symptom-free and fever-free.
For those that have the flu, it is important to wait until they no longer exhibit flu symptoms, have recovered completely, and feel well before attempting to donate. Donors must feel healthy and well on the day of donation.
Donors of all blood types, especially platelet donors and those with type-O blood, are urged to give now to ensure a stable supply this fall.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Brattleboro are Friday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, 17 Belmont Ave., and Tuesday, Nov. 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, 54 Chickering Drive.
Stay healthy this flu season, and make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.