World Blood Donor Day or WBDD is celebrated on June 14 every year, initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as part of its eight official global public health campaigns. The other seven are: World Health Day, World Tuberculosis Day, World Immunization Week, World Malaria Day, World No Tobacco Day, World Hepatitis Day and World AIDS Day. The World Blood Donor Day was first marked in 2004. It aims to not only increase awareness of blood donation and safe transfusion but also appreciate blood donors around the world. ALSO READ: World Blood Donor Day 2017: Major blood types and who can donate blood to whom!
According to the National Health Portal, these are the FAQs on Blood Donation, produced verbatim:
What is the normal safe interval between blood donations?
Men can donate safely once in every three months while women can donate every four months.
Is there any upper age limit to blood donation?
The usual upper age limit for blood donation is 65 years. However, first-time donors or even regular donors older than 60 years may be accepted under the guidance of a physician.
How much blood is removed during donation and how soon does it get replaced in the body?
The amount of blood withdrawn varies from 350ml- 450ml. It normally takes 24hrs for the blood volume to be replaced. Red cells need about four to six weeks for complete replacement.
Will I become physically weak or get any infection after blood donation?
No if you are in normal health there is no cause for concern. The chances of infections are minimal if the lab/Mobile van is taking all precautionary actions.
Is blood donation a safe process?
Blood donation is completely a safe process. A sterile needle is used only once for each donor and then discarded. Blood donation is a simple four-step process: registration, medical history, blood donation and refreshments.
Why should I donate Blood?
One of the major reasons to donate blood is to help others. One donation can help save the lives of up to three people. If you began donating blood at the age of 18 and donated every 90 days until you reached 60, you would have donated 30 gallons of blood, potentially helping save more than 500 lives!
Who should not donate blood?
Do not donate if-
You have tested positive for HIV or hepatitis.
You have got a tattoo done recently.
You have any blood clotting disorder.
You had a heart attack in the last six to twelve months.
You are an intravenous drug abuser.
You had a recent attack of malaria.
You had received blood, plasma or other blood components recently or during the last year.
You had cardiac surgery in the last year.
You are taking cardiovascular medicine.
You have had an abortion recently.
You had received chemotherapy/radiation for cancer treatment.
You have anaemia of moderate or severe type.
What are the precautions before donating blood?
Drink extra water and fluids.
Avoid caffeinated beverages.
Eat well to reduce the risk of reactions. Eating foods rich in iron is advisable.
World Blood Donor Day 2017: Everything you need to know about blood donation
Photo courtesy: DNA.