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World Blood Donor Day: Can Blood Donation Affect Your Immune System?
Blood donation is the need of the hour. Despite having the potential to save countless lives, many myths shroud the procedure of blood donation that makes people reluctant to donate their blood. Read on to know these myths and how they are busted by the experts.
Updated Jun 13, 2023 | 05:39 PM IST
One person needs a blood transfusion every 2 seconds, and they might get cured of deadly and dangerous diseases
New Delhi: Around 119 million people across the world donate blood every year, and for the best reason – it saves lives.
According to statistics, one person needs a blood transfusion every 2 seconds, and they might get cured of deadly and dangerous diseases like cancer or sickle cell anemia. Blood donation also helps in the immediate treatment of accident victims, new mothers who have just given birth, or a person in need of surgery.
Can blood donation drop immunity?
There are many myths related to blood donation that stop many from doing this good deed. One of them is misinformation that blood donation causes a significant drop in immunity levels, making you weak and exposed to infections.
However, according to health experts1, there is no reason to be scared of low immunity levels, as there is only a slight drop in red blood cells which is temporary.
“This small drop stimulates the bone marrow to produce blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The white cells improve the immunity levels as well,” said Dr. Snehal Majumdar, Director of Transfusion Medicine, Blood Center, Ruby Hall Clinic.
Doctors say blood returns to normal in a few weeks and if the body needs more antibodies in the bloodstream, it produces them extremely quickly.
Does blood donation make you weak?
Also, another myth is that most people believe blood donation can make them weak.
“No, it doesn’t. A Blood donor is accepted only if the hemoglobin is 12.5 g/dL or more, and it is properly checked before donation. Also, one unit of blood donation decreases the donor’s hemoglobin by just about 1 g/dl. This does not cause weakness at all,” Dr. Majumdar said.
Dr. Majumdar added that this small drop in blood amount only stimulates the bone marrow to produce more blood cells.
Should people with high blood pressure donate blood?
According to health experts, if your blood pressure reading falls between 180 systolic and 100 diastolic, then blood donation can be done, as it would help in stimulating the generation of new blood cells making you feel energized.
However, one must eat well and at regular intervals and consume plenty of fluids before and after the blood donation.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
End of Article
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