Flu Impacting Area's Blood Supply, Officials Say

As the flu season continues with widespread reports of illness across Florida, people aren’t the only ones feeling impacts from the virus.

OneBlood, the Tampa Bay area’s blood supplier, is also reporting a drop in donations due to the virus.

“The blood center is experiencing fewer donors at various organizations that hold blood drives and are told many of the people who usually donate are out sick with the flu,” a media release from the agency stated.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that Florida, much like the rest of the country, is experiencing widespread cases of flu at this time.

Since people with the flu cannot give blood, the nonprofit center is asking healthy individuals to donate now.

“While all blood types are needed, there is an increased need for O Negative type blood,” the media release stated. “Donations are needed immediately to ensure that our blood supply remains strong before the flu impacts the state any further.”

O Negative is in particularly high demand because it is a universal blood type. That means it can be given to any patient, but trauma patients, cancer patients and premature babies are the main recipients, the agency noted.

Eligible donors are those age 16 and up who are healthy and weigh at least 110 pounds. To schedule an appointment to give blood, visit OneBlood online or call 1-888-936-6283.

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