Travel abroad may temporarily prevent blood donation – check the restrictions in time
Blood donors are needed all year round – also during the summer, when many people’s daily routines follow their holiday schedules. However, travelling abroad may prevent blood donation for up to a month due to the West Nile virus epidemic season.
The West Nile virus epidemic season is beginning in parts of Europe. Travelling in the epidemic areas of the virus between 29 June and 30 November results in a 28-day deferral from blood donation. The West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and occurs especially in southern and southeastern Europe, such as in Italy, Greece and the Balkan region, during the summer and autumn seasons.
Most infections are asymptomatic or mild, but in the worst cases the virus can cause severe encephalitis. The restrictions ensure that a possible asymptomatic infection is not transmitted to a patient through blood.
Donate blood before travelling if possible
“During the summer, many people travel abroad, which may temporarily affect their ability to donate blood. We therefore encourage people to check travel-related restrictions on our website and, if possible, donate before travelling,” says Tuulia Palukka, the doctor of Medical Services at the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service.
When can I donate after travelling?
You can check on the Blood Service website when you are eligible to donate after travelling abroad. Enter the name of the destination country in the FAQ search field and check the country-specific situation regarding restrictions. The epidemic situation varies each year and we monitor it closely, which means restrictions may change quickly.
The nearest appointment time and location can be booked at Book an appointment.
Please note, that travel-related restrictions do not affect plasma donation. Plasma can be donated at the Blood Service’s location in Vantaa.
For more information: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)
