The Australian Red Cross Blood Service is calling for urgent blood donors, with an early start to flu season causing thousands of cancelled appointments.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Launceston Donor Centre has more than 180 appointments to fill over the next two weeks, with 550 additional people needed to donate statewide.
So far in Tasmania this year there have been 921 cases of flu, compared to 452 for the whole of 2018.
Red Cross spokeswoman Helen Walsh said O and A blood was needed the most.
"We haven't seen cancellations this high since March 2017, and as the number of people suffering cold and flu symptoms increases, it limits the number of regular donors who are able to give," she said.
"Nearly 90 per cent of the Australian population has an O or A blood type meaning these blood types are most in demand."
Ms Walsh said historically, cold and flu season can place a strain on the blood service as symptoms prevent existing donors from making their life-saving donations.
"We need people who are fully recovered from colds or the flu, and those who have avoided it, to take the place of those who are unable to answer our call," she said.
People are still able to donate if they have had a flu vaccination and donors affected by cold and flu symptoms are able to give blood seven days after making a full recovery.
- To make an appointment call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au.
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
