Myth #2: I only need to donate once per year.Fact #2: You can donate every 56 days. It is important to do so because, platelets only have a shelf life of 5 days and red cells have a shelf life of 42 days.
Myth #3: My blood type is so common, that I don’t need to donate.Fact #3: NOT TRUE. Some blood types are more common than others, but the rarest type of blood is the type that is not available when needed. Regular donations are needed throughout the year for all blood types..
Myth #4: Giving blood hurts
Fact #4: The pain experienced is no more than a needle prick. The slight soreness that maybe where the needle was is just a reminder of the good deed done.
Myth # 5: HIV or other infections can be contracted from donating blood.
Fact #5: A clear procedure exists for taking blood from each donor. Sterility is maintained at all steps. A sterile, new needle is used for each donation and is then properly discarded. Use of sterile equipment and technique limits the chance of infection.
Myth #6: Giving blood is time consuming
Fact #6: The time taken for a single donation session is normally not more than an hour or so.
Myth #7: There is limited blood in the body and it is unhealthy to give some away.
Fact #7: Only about 470ml of blood is taken during a donation session. There is enough blood in the body to donate it without experiencing any ill effects. The body makes new blood after donation.
Myth #8: Age is a deterrent to blood donation.Fact #8:Anyone up to the age of 60 who is fit and healthy can give blood.
Myth #9: Heavy people are healthier and have more blood to give.
Fact #9: Being overweight makes people less healthy. Overweight people do not have more blood.
Myth 10: Health deteriorates after donating blood.
Fact #10: If you are healthy prior to donation, your recovery is complete in a day or two. It is advised to rest a while after donating. Drinking enough liquids replaces the lost fluid within a couple of hours. The body produces new cells faster after a donation. All the RBCs are replaced within 3-4 days and WBCs within 3 weeks.
Myth #11:You cannot take part in sports or other physical activities after donating blood.
Fact #11: Giving blood does not interfere with ability to perform physically. Advice to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous workouts for the rest of the day is given after the donation. You can get back on track the next day.
Myth #12:Taking medication means that one cannot be a blood donor.
Fact #12: Depending on the medication being taken, it may halt donation for a period, though in many cases it won’t prevent a donation. The person in charge or the nursing staff should be informed before donating.
Myth #13 When there is a requirement, blood can be manufactured.
Fact #13: Blood is not something that can be manufactured. It can only come from healthy human beings.
Myth #14: Being of mixed race precludes blood from being helpful.
Fact #14: Race and caste have no bearing on eligibility for being a blood donor. It is the blood type and group that is of importance.
