Who can't donate blood? Myths and truths

Every June 14th , World Blood Donor Day is celebrated, and year after year, the commemoration of this date—established by the World Health Assembly in 2005—is intended to raise awareness of the importance of donating blood.

In addition to being a charitable and altruistic act, it's a way to save many lives. Although it's a fact that when it comes to donating blood, many people are overcome with hesitation, in addition to "fear."

And although this practice is safe, many myths have arisen around it for several years that have somehow prevented or diminished the participation of many people.

Below we'll discuss the most common myths , including who can't donate blood and who can.

Due to misinformation surrounding blood donation , many people believe it is dangerous for their body and health.

However, they are unaware that it is a quick action and that if the requirements for donating blood are followed, there is no risk.

It simply helps many people, since we must remember that donated blood is intended for patients with chronic illnesses, people undergoing surgery, accident victims, and women with complications during childbirth, to name a few.

In addition, it can help with treatments for cancer or some blood disorders that require frequent transfusions.

• Myth: To donate blood you have to fast

Fact: It's not advisable to donate blood on an empty stomach . People often confuse donating blood with blood tests (which should be done on an empty stomach).

Therefore, it is recommended that the donor drink at least 500 ml of water or salty drinks half an hour before the collection, and there are no restrictions on solid food intake. It is best to eat something healthy and avoid fatty foods and dairy products before donating.

• Myth: Donating blood is painful

Reality: You have to learn the difference between pain and fear , as often the fear of needles is greater than the actual pain you perceive. Furthermore, pain can vary from person to person, depending on the donor's pain threshold.

You should also know that the material used for the extraction is designed to cause as little damage as possible. But the truth is that although you do feel the sting when inserting and removing the needle , doctors or nurses usually do this step quickly to avoid discomfort.

• Myth: Donating blood weakens you

Fact: After donating, you may experience slight fatigue, but all you need is a little rest to resume normal daily activities.

Sometimes you may feel a little dizzy, but this is more likely due to the nervousness caused by the syringes. After donating, the person is usually allowed to rest for about 15 minutes.

Health experts recommend avoiding activities that require a lot of strength on that day; however, after 24 hours, the body recovers the lost fluid volume.

Furthermore, the amount of blood extracted is usually between 400 and 450 ml, in both men and women, so this does not affect health.

Likewise, medical personnel must analyze the amount of hemoglobin in the blood, which will indicate whether there are enough red blood cells to prevent future problems.

• Myth: Does donating blood make you gain weight or lose weight?

Reality: Curiously, this is one of the most common myths, but donating blood does not make you gain or lose weight, because when you donate, you give between 400 and 450 ml, and this amount does not cause any type of change in the body.

• Myth: By donating blood I can get a disease

Fact: There is no risk of contracting any type of disease or infection from donating blood, since sterilized, disposable, or single-use material is used.

It should be noted that contracting HIV or any other disease by donating blood is a lie.

* You cannot donate blood if you are taking medication: False; in many cases, medication is compatible with donation.

Painkillers, anti-inflammatories, antihistamines, hormonal treatments, anxiolytics, and blood pressure medications… these are generally medications that do not make donation impossible when taken.

However, it is always advisable to consult the doctor who will be at the donation unit if you have any doubts, so as to avoid any problems.

* If you are a smoker, you cannot be a donor : False; in the case of tobacco, it has no effect before donating, but you should stop smoking about six hours beforehand . After donating, it is recommended to wait at least two hours to avoid dizziness.

As for people who use marijuana, they can donate blood only if they did so more than 12 hours ago, and as long as they are sporadic users.

* You cannot donate blood if you have been drinking alcohol: False; but to donate, you must have been drinking alcohol more than 12 hours ago.

* Taking contraceptives does not allow you to donate blood: False, there is no impediment to taking these medications.

* If I donate blood I will not have the same sexual capacity: False; The blood level lost through donation will be replaced naturally, so no sexual or reproductive function will be affected.

* If I donate, will I get anemia? False; the body renews blood the next day, and the new blood will be more oxygenated.

* I can't donate if I've just been to the dentist: False; as long as you've only had a simple procedure , such as a cleaning. If there was an infection, wait until you finish your antibiotics before donating.

* My blood type isn't necessary: ​​False; all blood types are necessary and valuable. Although certain types, such as O negative, are universal and can be used in emergencies for any patient, that's why they're more in demand.

° People with tattoos or piercings can donate, but only after one year of having it done.

Likewise, the tests performed on donated blood can detect any condition the donor may have due to a tattoo or piercing.

° Women during their period can donate blood. Menstruation is not an impediment to donation, but the donor may donate during her menstrual cycle as long as she feels well.

° People with diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease can donate . They must have their blood levels under control and not have taken any medications or insulin.

These people must be evaluated by a specialist doctor and receive timely treatment.

– Those who suffered from hepatitis in childhood. Although hepatitis is one of the conditions that precludes donation, those who suffered from hepatitis before the age of 10, and who were type A, may voluntarily donate blood.

But those who suffered B or C, definitely cannot.

– Anyone who has undergone surgery. You certainly can't donate immediately; you have to wait six months to do so.

– If you have a cold, you can't donate. Because of the flu, you can't donate, and you must wait two weeks after recovery to do so.

– Vegetarians or vegans cannot donate blood. People on this diet find it more difficult to replace the iron lost during blood donation because they don't eat meat.

But they can donate blood, although before doing so they must check their iron levels before and after donating.

– Pregnant women should not donate blood. Pregnancy is listed as a barrier to donating blood. They are also not eligible to donate after giving birth . To donate, they must wait 90 days after a normal delivery and 180 days after a cesarean section.

Meanwhile, breastfeeding women should not donate if they have given birth less than 12 months ago.

– People with Parkinson's. Some diseases and physical conditions prevent people from donating blood, and this is one of them.

– People with infectious blood diseases cannot donate . People with AIDS and HIV are prohibited from donating blood. Likewise, people with HTLV 1 and 2 are prohibited.

– Those who have had coronavirus, dengue, or yellow fever cannot donate blood. Diseases such as those mentioned above, malaria, or shingles, can prevent blood donation while they are active in the body.

However, after a period of time that guarantees complete recovery, the person can become a donor, although it must be confirmed that they no longer have any active virus in their body.

Now that we've cleared up some of the doubts , you should know that for several years now—and every June in particular—specialists have been focusing on debunking the myths surrounding blood donation, as this practice is crucial for dozens of hospitals and patients.

Therefore, encouraging greater participation in blood donation is everyone's responsibility.

*With information from ABC Medical Center, Red Cross, government, Spanish Hospital, National Geographic and Carter BloodCare .