Low blood donation storages as sickness grips Victoria

Red Cross Lifeblood is calling for donors as reserves of most blood types drop to critical levels. (HANDOUT/LIFEBLOOD RED CROSS)

Victoria's blood donation levels are dangerously low as the cold and flu season hits hard, forcing would-be donors to cancel. 

Red Cross Lifeblood has launched an immediate call for donors as reserves of most blood types drop to critical levels. 

The current demand for blood is extremely high and the current level of donations is struggling to keep up with the high demand.

Almost 4000 bags of blood are needed by hospitals every day across Australia. (HANDOUT/LIFEBLOOD RED CROSS)

While some stock is also held in hospitals, Lifeblood says it needs 1200 people donating every day in the coming week to meet the needs of patients. 

Lifeblood Executive Director of Donor Experience Cath Stone is urging both new donors and those who have not donated for some time to donate now. 

"Right now, we need both blood and plasma donors," she said.

"We have empty chairs across our network every single day." 

Ms Stone said one donation could save up to three lives.

Winter is approaching and our blood and plasma inventory is already feeling the impact of a seasonal drop in donations. https://t.co/mKP1PNyqGR #lifebloodau pic.twitter.com/fmeENJPVLW

— lifebloodau (@lifebloodau) May 12, 2024

"Almost 4000 bags of blood are needed by hospitals every day across Australia to help patients in times of trauma, major surgery, cancer treatment, pregnancy and for a range of other medical conditions," she said.

Ms Stone said it was likely there would be ongoing appeals for blood this winter. 

Lifeblood wants blood donation to become a habit for many more Australians - not just something people do when there is an urgent need.

"If you've been waiting for the right time to become a donor or have been thinking about coming back to donate, this is the time to act," Ms Stone said.

Influenza (flu) & COVID cases are continuing to increase. Now more than ever, please make sure you are up to date with your vaccinations. Vaccination is one of the most important ways to protect yourself from severe disease.
More details at: https://t.co/WsJDDCHRht pic.twitter.com/AqaxXuYj4R

— Chief Health Officer, Victoria (@VictorianCHO) May 17, 2024

Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 cases continue to increase.

One in three Australians will need donated blood in their lifetime but fewer than three per cent of the population donate blood regularly.,

Victorian Chief Health Officer Clare Looker confirmed the state was experiencing increased COVID-19 activity in the community, with more people being admitted to hospital with the virus.

"At the same time, we are seeing increasing cases of influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) as we head into winter," Dr Looker said. 

Dr Looker said notifications of influenza and RSV have increased by about 30 per cent in the past two weeks.

Yearly flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged six months and older and free for eligible priority groups.