‘COVID-19 patients can donate blood’

MANILA, Philippines — Persons who have tested positive for COVID-19 and those with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes can become blood donors, a health expert said yesterday.

Philippine Blood Center head Dr. Dennis Dayao said people who have recovered from COVID-19 and those with comorbidities can donate blood.

“Persons with underlying conditions can be blood donors as long as they are on medication,” Dayao said at a virtual forum.

He said only those with blood diseases such as hepatitis B and syphilis or any infection that could be transmitted through blood are prohibited from donating blood.

World Health Organization country representative officer-in-charge Grayham Harison said COVID patients may be able to donate blood after they have fully recovered.

Since COVID-19 vaccines are using an activated virus, Harison said vaccinated people could also donate blood.

“COVID is a respiratory infection and not a blood-borne disease,” he said.

The Department of Health reported that more people donated blood last year despite the pandemic.

Dayao said they are still promoting blood donation as the demand for safe blood remains high.