10 Myths about blood donation debunked

10 Myths about blood donation debunked

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Donating blood is a noble act, yet very few of us take the time out to donate blood at blood donation drives. The biggest hurdle that prevents people from donating blood is not the inconvenience associated with it but false beliefs or myths attached to it. In fact there are very few things that may prevent an otherwise healthy person from donating blood.

Here we try to clear the air around some common myths associated with blood donation.

Myth 1: My health will deteriorate after I donate blood.

Fact: This is absolutely not true. In fact donating blood reduces your chances of developing cardiovascular diseases and prevents excess iron from accumulating in the body.

A prior medical examination is performed to ascertain if the person is fit to donate blood. If your hemoglobin level is below 12.5 gm percent, or if you are found unfit due to any other reason, you will be deferred from donating blood.

Myth 2: Donating blood is a painful procedure

Fact: Donating blood does involve a needle prick; but it is not a painful procedure. One only feels a momentary discomfort when the needle pricks the arm.

Myth 3: A diabetic person cannot donate blood

Fact: “Diabetic may donate blood as long as his sugar levels are within the permitted range and the other medical requirements are met” says Dr Pradip Shah from Fortis Hospital.

Myth 4: Donating blood frequently can lead to obesity

Fact: Donating blood does not directly affect your body weight. Some people eat more than normal and avoid exercises which may lead to weight gain.

Myth 5: I cannot give blood because I have high blood pressure.

Fact:  As long the blood pressure is below 180 systolic and 100 diastolic at the time of your donation, you may give blood. Medications that you take for high blood pressure do not disqualify you from donating.

Myth 6: I will need to rest for a day after donating blood

Fact: You can resume to your normal day to day routine after donating blood but should take care of the following

·         Drink at 10 -12 glasses of water including juices within 24 hours following blood donation.

·         Avoid driving for 3-4 hours

·         Avoid sun exposure

·         Avoid smoking for the next 3-4 hours.

·         Avoid alcohol for next 24 hours.

Myth 7: Donating blood opens your way to HIV and other infections.

Fact:  Sterility is maintained during all steps of donation. A new needle is used for each donation and is then properly discarded after use. Use of sterile equipments and latest technique limits the chance of infection.

Myth 8: I do not need to donate blood as my blood type is common and my blood type is always available.

Fact: There is a constant demand of all blood groups; major surgeries, trauma etc require large amounts of blood. If your blood group is common, it means that there would be more number of people in need of your blood type.

Myth 9: I also need blood. I will become blood deficient after donating.

Fact: Donating blood will not leave you low of blood. Blood volume returns to normal level within 48 hours after blood donation. A healthy individual with good eating habits can donate blood four times a year with a gap of three months.

Myth 10: I am too old to donate

Fact: There is no longer an upper age limit for donation. So long the prior medical examination states that you are fit and healthy you can donate blood as a lifelong contribution says Dr. Pradip shah