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Flu outbreak causes blood shortage
A flu outbreak has led to blood shortages around the country, the SA National Blood Service (SANBS) said on Tuesday.
The SANBS is appealing to all Group O blood types to donate blood.
Spokesperson Justice Mohale said SANBS needed Group O blood donations from people aged between 16 and 65, who weigh more than 50kg and "lead a sexually safe lifestyle".
"The situation is exacerbated by the flu epidemic which has negatively affected blood collections. People who have had flu should not donate blood until a 56-day window period has lapsed."
On a daily basis the SANBS requires 3 000 units of blood for private and government hospitals. At present in KwaZulu-Natal it only has one day's stock.
"This means we have blood for one day only. Normally we need blood stock to last for five to seven days. The situation is critical," said Mohale.
For more information on blood donations the public can call 0800-11-90-31. - Sapa
A flu outbreak has led to blood shortages around the country, the SA National Blood Service (SANBS) said on Tuesday.
The SANBS is appealing to all Group O blood types to donate blood.
Spokesperson Justice Mohale said SANBS needed Group O blood donations from people aged between 16 and 65, who weigh more than 50kg and "lead a sexually safe lifestyle".
"The situation is exacerbated by the flu epidemic which has negatively affected blood collections. People who have had flu should not donate blood until a 56-day window period has lapsed."
On a daily basis the SANBS requires 3 000 units of blood for private and government hospitals. At present in KwaZulu-Natal it only has one day's stock.
"This means we have blood for one day only. Normally we need blood stock to last for five to seven days. The situation is critical," said Mohale.
For more information on blood donations the public can call 0800-11-90-31. - Sapa