Influenza Upate: Important Information For All Donors

September 1, 2009 - The H1N1 Flu Virus has been reported around the world, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a pandemic influenza virus. Because a flu pandemic could seriously impact blood inventory levels, Canadian Blood Services has developed an emergency preparedness plan that will respond to any threat to the blood supply. The greatest threat a pandemic influenza presents for the blood system is the number of donors, volunteers and staff who will fall ill and won’t be able to donate or process blood.

To prepare for the potential repercussions of a pandemic, we need to build up our inventory now. Every donation you make can help to save up to three lives. Please continue to donate.

Safety of the blood system remains our top priority.

Giving and receiving blood is safe; you cannot get the flu (seasonal or pandemic) by giving or receiving blood or blood products. No cases of transfusion transmission of respiratory viruses, such as influenza, have been reported. These viruses are usually spread by droplets through the respiratory route or by direct contact.

Canadian Blood Services has hygiene and infection control measures in place to enhance the protection of our donors, staff and volunteers. In addition, you may see:

• Hand Sanitizers: You may be asked to ensure you use the readily available hand sanitizers before entering the clinic area and upon leaving the clinic.
• Wellness Checkpoints: Before entering a clinic or a lifebus, you may be greeted by a staff member wearing a mask. This staff member will ask you, “Are you feeling completely well today?” and direct you to a listing of flu-like symptoms to determine your eligibility to enter the clinic or the lifebus.
• Masks: Although not necessary, masks will be available for all who request them.

Procedures are in place so that, in the face of the real threat of a pandemic, we can respond quickly. If a full pandemic hits your community, you may see the following additional changes:

• Clinic Location Changes: If a pandemic results in donor, volunteer and staff shortages, Canadian Blood Services may be forced to concentrate its services to a limited number of locations. You may be asked to donate at a time and location that is different from that to which you are accustomed.
• Request for Specific Blood Components: Blood products required by hospitals are likely to change. You may be asked to donate blood components other than those you normally do.
• Changes in Services Provided: Some volunteer activities may have to be temporarily eliminated, such as Donor Greeters/Guides and Child Supervisory Services. All volunteers may be called upon to become involved in specific roles as required by a clinic.

Donated blood is needed to save lives every day.

During a pandemic, we will be counting on our donors — more than ever — to ensure an ample and safe supply of blood and blood products for those in need.

• Attending blood clinics should remain a priority for all who are healthy, including donors who have completely recovered from the flu.
• To prepare for the potential repercussions of a pandemic, we need to build up our inventory now. Every donation you make can help to save up to three lives. Please continue to donate.

/\ Top