Plasma shortage continues as COVID-19 surges

Coronavirus cases are surging across the country as the pandemic continues.

But, the American Red Cross says one treatment option could help the sickest patients. The problem is, they don’t have enough convalescent plasma.

The antibodies in your plasma, especially if you’ve had COVID-19 and survived, could be used to help boost another patient’s immune system.

Dr. Pampee Young is the Chief Medical Officer with the American Red Cross. “We just simply can’t keep up, so we need as many as our recovered COVID-19 patients as possible to roll up their sleeves and donate,” said Dr. Young.

Some of those who have fully recovered from COVID-19 can give plasma up to every seven days as long as the antibodies are still present.

Even if you don’t have COVID-19 antibodies, there are still ways you can help. The need for blood and blood platelets is ever-present.

If you’re interested in donating blood, you can donate at Lee Health sites, by searching the American Red Cross for local drives or through OneBlood.