The spread of the flu-virus is impacting the area blood supply. Blood centers around Central Florida are urging healthy people to give blood.

Experts say that winter is typically the slow season for blood donations for several reasons, from holidays and travel schedules, to the weather.

But the flu is making the problem worse.  People simply can’t donate when they’re ill.

Many of the organizations which hold blood drives and give to central blood banks say people are battling the flu. That’s why blood centers are urging anyone who is healthy now to donate. It’s also part of the reason January is National Blood Donor Month.

While centers always need all blood types, right now there’s an increased need for O Negative blood, the universal blood type which can be given to any patient.

The primary recipients of this blood type are cancer patients, trauma patients and premature babies.

American Red Cross Blood Donation Eligibility Requirements

Blood Donors Must:

How often can you donate:

Donation Type Donation Frequency
Blood (whole blood) Every 56 days
Platelets  
Every 7 days, up to 24 times / year
Plasma Every 28 days, up to 13 times / year
Double Red Cells 
Every 112 days, up to 3 times / year