Plasma donation is a generous act that many people wish to participate in. However, if you develop a cold on the day of your scheduled donation, you may wonder, “Can you donate plasma with a cold?”
Understanding how illnesses affect plasma donation is crucial to safeguarding your health and ensuring the quality and safety of the extracted plasma. Here’s what you should know if you’re feeling under the weather before donating plasma.
Overview: Can You Donate Plasma With a Cold?
Plasma donation centers require donors to be in good general health and free from acute illnesses, including colds. While a cold may seem minor and you are still physically capable of performing everyday activities, it signals that your immune system is actively fighting an infection. Donated plasma is often used for individuals with weakened immune systems, and donating while sick may compromise its quality.
Additionally, donating while ill could hinder your recovery. The donation process removes some of your body’s fluids, which could lead to dehydration and fatigue without proper preparation. This could make the donation process more difficult for your body.
While you may meet all the criteria for donating plasma, if you are experiencing cold symptoms, the responsible choice is to allow your body time to heal.
Dangers of Donating Plasma With a Cold
Donating plasma while sick can pose risks to yourself, the plasma donation staff, and the patients receiving plasma-derived treatments. Some potential dangers include:
- Weakened Immune System: Plasma donation temporarily reduces certain proteins and antibodies in your bloodstream. Donating plasma could further weaken your immune response if your body is already fighting an infection.
- Increased Fatigue and Dehydration: Cold symptoms such as fever, congestion, and body aches can cause dehydration and fatigue. Plasma donation removes fluid from the body, potentially worsening these symptoms.
- Potential Contamination: If you have an active viral infection, there is a risk that the plasma may contain inflammatory markers that could affect its suitability for therapeutic use.
- Risk to Other Donors and Staff: Plasma donation centers follow strict hygiene protocols, and sick donors can increase the chance of spreading germs to staff and other donors.
Symptoms That Disqualify You From Donating Plasma
Plasma donation centers follow strict eligibility guidelines to ensure the safety of both donors and plasma recipients. Donors who have colds are often deferred by plasma donation staff.
They will advise you to reschedule your donation until you fully recover from your cold.
Common symptoms that can disqualify you from donating include:
- Fever: A fever of 100.4°F or higher indicates your body is actively fighting an infection. Donors must be fever-free for at least 48 hours before donating.
- Severe Cough or Sore Throat: If you are experiencing persistent coughing, difficulty swallowing, or throat pain, you may be asked to wait until the symptoms resolve.
- Nasal Congestion and Sinus Pressure: Excess mucus or nasal congestion can indicate an active infection.
- Body Aches, Chills, and Fatigue: If you feel physically weak or exhausted due to a cold, your body needs time to recover before donation.
- Recent Use of Cold Medications: Some over-the-counter medications can impact plasma quality, especially decongestants and antihistamines.
What To Do During Recovery
While you may feel eager to donate and help others, prioritizing your health ensures that you and the plasma recipients receive the best outcome. If you have cold symptoms on the day of your donation, reschedule for a later date and focus on your recovery.
- Rest and Hydrate: Get plenty of sleep and avoid strenuous activities. Drink plenty of fluids like water, herbal tea, and electrolyte-rich beverages.
- Eat Nutrient-Dense Foods: Focus on iron-rich foods (lean meats, spinach, beans) and vitamin C-rich foods (oranges, bell peppers, strawberries), as these help support your immune system.
- Monitor Symptoms: Before scheduling your first plasma donation, wait until your symptoms have fully resolved. If your cold lingers longer than expected, consult a healthcare professional.
- Avoid Spreading Germs: Practice good hygiene, including washing your hands frequently and avoiding close contact with others until you are fully well.
How Long Should You Wait After a Cold Before Donating Plasma?
The general recommendation is to wait at least 24 to 48 hours after your symptoms have completely resolved before donating plasma. This ensures that your body has fully recovered and that you are not at risk of spreading illness to others.
You may be eligible to donate for mild colds without fever once all symptoms, such as coughing or congestion, have disappeared. If your cold symptoms include fever, body aches, or more severe symptoms, wait at least one week to allow your body to regain strength.
Experience Safe Plasma Donations at ABO Plasma in Orem
Donating plasma is a generous act that helps those needing life-saving therapies. However, donating while sick can compromise your health and the quality of the plasma collected. If you have a cold, waiting until you are fully recovered is best before scheduling your next donation.
At ABO Plasma in Orem, we prioritize the health, comfort, and well-being of our donors. If you feel well and meet eligibility requirements, consider scheduling your next plasma donation today.