Coronavirus and Blood Donations

Coronavirus and Blood Donations

Have you had COVID-19? If so, then you might want to consider donating blood. Your blood might hold COVID-19 antibodies that can kill the virus, meaning you might be the key to creating a lifesaving treatment for those who are struggling with the illness.

Your blood donations could potentially save the lives of others. If you are interested in learning more, be sure to keep reading!

How Your Blood Can Help

Since you recovered, your body has successfully fought off the coronavirus infection. This means that your blood will have antibodies for the disease for the rest of your life. Your immune system can fight off the illness much faster and more effectively if you were to be exposed again.

Your antibodies might be able to help others who are struggling to fight off the sickness. If you were to donate your plasma, it would be given to someone currently hospitalized and fighting COVID-19.

Antibodies are useful for recovering patients as they:

• Bind to viruses that make you sick
• Activate your immune system to fight the virus 
• Help to fight future infections

The FDA stated that they believe giving plasma to those currently infected with the disease helps them to recover. While there is still more research being done, the benefits of plasma are crucial to those struggling. 

How to Qualify to Donate Plasma

If you have recovered from coronavirus, then you might hold the key to developing a treatment. You can donate plasma if you meet these qualifications.  

1. You are at least 17 and weigh at least 110 lbs. If you are younger than that, other weight requirements apply. 
2. You are healthy. You feel well, even if you are receiving treatment for something else.
3. Have a verified diagnosis of COVID-19 and are not showing any more symptoms. 

When You Can Donate

You are eligible to donate if you have fully recovered and have had no symptoms of COVID-19 for the last two weeks. If this sounds like you, then you are encouraged to donate your blood to help those in need. 

You will need to have a record of your COVID-19 positive test to donate to this cause. You do not need to have a current negative result to donate, but it should still be at least two weeks since you have fully recovered.

Donation centers are trained in infection control practices and have several strategies ready to prevent the spread of infection. They are safe and clean, so you can feel comfortable donating there. 

Donating also takes up very little of your time during the day. If you have some free time soon, we hope that you can stop by and donate.

What If You Do Not Have COVID-19?

If you have not had the coronavirus, you can still consider donating your blood. You could be saving the lives of up to three people! The pandemic has caused the United States blood supply to run low, putting the well-being of many people at risk.

Blood is needed to provide treatments to a wide variety of patients. By becoming a donor, you that may help save their lives. We encourage you to schedule an appointment with a donation center today.

If you are unsure of whether or not you have COVID-19, contact BASS Urgent Care to get official testing done.

Reach Out to Us

Our country is running low on blood stores used in treating various conditions and illnesses. If you have recovered from the coronavirus, your blood could be used to treat someone else.

We hope that you consider donating soon. It would mean the world to the person who receives your donation. Contact BASS Urgent Care at (925) 267-7800 and visit us at our Walnut Creek location for more information on donating.