Flu

The flu causes a temporary deferral from blood donation. After a fever-free and otherwise relatively mild flu (such as a sore throat, runny nose, or cough), you can donate blood once you are symptom-free and have felt well for at least 24 hours.

If the flu causes a fever over 38°C, you can donate blood no earlier than two weeks after recovery. Additionally, at least two weeks must have passed since the end of any antibiotic treatment before donating blood.

The same deferral periods apply to coronavirus infections as to other respiratory infections. After a coronavirus infection requiring hospitalization, the deferral period is three months. A positive coronavirus test without symptoms results in a three-day deferral from the test date.

You cannot donate blood during various local infections (e.g., ear infection, sinusitis, or bronchitis). At least two weeks must have passed since the end of symptoms and any antibiotic treatment before donating blood.

Cough medicines, nasal sprays, and anti-inflammatory drugs do not prevent blood donation.