Call for more donors as flu hits blood supplies

Blood service spokeswoman Jessica Willet said as many as 900 donors called to cancel their blood donation appointment every week throughout Australia because of cold and flu symptoms.

She said this had reduced winter supplies. “If you’re feeling well and healthy, you may be eligible to give blood,” she said. “One in three of us will need it in our lifetime, and the need for blood never takes a break – even if our regular donors need to.

“Patients fighting cancer, infections and blood diseases rely on donated blood to keep them healthy throughout winter. It only takes one hour to donate blood.”