The nation’s blood supply could be the latest victim of the H1N1 vaccine. The number of donors is down nationally and it’s raising concerns in Minnesota.

The American Red Cross says nationwide there’s been a three percent drop in blood donations since June.

“Luckily I haven’t been hit by the flu so I thought this would be a great time since I haven’t been hit by the flu in case I’m not feeling as well later this winter,” said Kara Slaughter.

Officials say there is no evidence the flu can be transferred through blood transfusions, however the FDA wants to play it safe. People who are sick are not allowed to donate. Anyone who gets sick the next day, can call and their donation will be thrown out.

Blood banks say having to turn away ill donors is leading to a donation decrease. They say flu-related myths aren’t helping either.

“Potentially some people may think that they’ve had the flu vaccination, they’re not eligible to donate blood and actually they can donate blood, you can donate immediately as long as you’re feeling well,” said Nick Gehrig from the American Red Cross.

America’s Blood Centers brings in about half the nation’s blood supply. They say 27 percent of their members are reporting a drop in overall collections due to H1N1. They say the economy hasn’t helped either.

“Those sponsors have fewer employees in many cases so we don’t have as many sponsors at the donor sites to donate blood,” said John Buske from the Memorial Blood Centers of Minnesota.

Memorial Blood Centers has not seen a drop in donations, but like all sites they worry about the near future. They say people always donate less during the busy holiday months.

Officials say despite some dips in donations, the nation’s blood demand is being met right now.

They say the bad economy has less people getting elective surgeries, leaving less people in need of blood.

http://kstp.com/

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