Flu season threatens even larger blood shortage
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expecting a severe flu season this year and that could have a negative impact on the nation’s already struggling blood supply.
According to the CDC, flu cases reached an all-time low last year due to masking, physical distancing, and shutdowns across the country and many Americans may have reduced immunity this year.
When seasonal illness increases, the number of healthy blood donors tends to decrease.
Paired with winter weather, busy holiday schedules and ongoing COVID-19 concerns, the struggling blood supply could be further impacted throughout winter.
All who come to donate at the Red Cross now through the 23rd will receive a $10 Amazon gift card by email. Those who come to donate from November 24th through the 28th will receive a pair of Red Cross socks. American Red Cross Mississippi Senior Account Manager Denise Smith said, “This time of the year, this is the lowest the blood supply has been in in over a decade and when it gets to that level, that literally means that we’re one large trauma away from not being able to have a blood supply.”
To find the next blood drive close to you visit redcrossblood.org.
