Type O blood may mean lower COVID-19 risk
It’s starting to look like people with the O blood type may have an advantage in the global pandemic. A Danish study found among more than 470,000 people tested for coronavirus, only 38% with blood type O tested positive, even though 41% of the population have type-O blood. [TRENDING: Woman stranded from home for 8 months | Video shows mountain lion stalking hiker | Moon rules: Must come in peace]A Canadian study found among 95 patients critically ill with COVID-19, a higher proportion with blood type A or A/B needed mechanical ventilation compared with patients with blood group O or B. The research gives further evidence blood type may play a role in someone’s susceptibility to infection and just how serious their illness is. The reasons for this link aren’t clear and experts say more research is needed.
Demand for plasma, blood donations remains high as pandemic rages
Orange County’s EMS Medical Director Dr. Christian Zuver spoke about his experience donating plasma after he recovered from COVID-19. “Many of the places where you would normally see blood drives – like high schools, college campuses and companies – are not at a point where they can host regular blood drives,” officials said. The need for blood and plasma is more urgent than it has ever been in recent history. “We live in a caring community and donating convalescent plasma is just one of those ways we can continue to help each other,” added Zuver. To donate convalescent plasma or blood, officials ask that you make an online appointment at OneBlood.org.
How to help the sick, the hungry, others in need during the COVID-19 pandemic
No Kid Hungry has a plan to feed them, but we need your help.”Yes, it’s a group called No Kid Hungry -- and it appears to be the perfect place place to turn. With your help, we’ll continue to remove any obstacles to get kids the food they need," the group’s website said. We can’t stress this one enough: The American Red Cross needs you. Help patients like Robert today: https://t.co/iJpVmoWxZy pic.twitter.com/xXHbVPOkto — American Red Cross (@RedCross) March 18, 2020Don’t be nervous about giving blood. The Red Cross issued a news release about its need for blood on March 10.