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Can I donate blood if I have a cold or the flu?

Usually a temporary wait
Quick answerWait until you feel completely well. You should be free of cold and flu symptoms and feeling healthy on the day you donate.

What this means

  • If you have a runny nose, cough, sore throat, or feel run down, hold off until it passes.
  • Once your symptoms are gone and your energy is back, usually a few days later, you can donate.
  • A minor lingering sniffle with no fever is often fine, but the screener decides on the day.

What to do next

Rest and hydrate now, then book once you have felt well for a full day.

When to call the center: Call if you are unsure whether a lingering symptom counts, or if you ran a fever.

If you need to wait

Wait until you have been symptom-free and feeling well, commonly a few days.

Exact timing is confirmed by the center. Set a reminder so you do not have to track it.

Set a return reminder

Why this rule exists

Donating works best when your body is not fighting an infection, both for your recovery and for the patient who receives your blood.

This is general educational guidance, not a final eligibility decision. Donation centers make final eligibility decisions during confidential screening. Rules may vary by center, donation type, location, and current policy.

Were you already turned away for this reason? See the comeback plan

Find a place to donate

Search by city, ZIP, state, or center name, or use your location to see the closest centers.

Centers near meCheck general eligibilitySee what to expect

Related questions

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Sources and review

The guidance on this page reflects published criteria from these organizations. Eligibility and procedures vary by center and country, so confirm specifics with your donation center.

Last reviewed:
Next review due:
Reviewed by:
Reviewed against American Red Cross, AABB, and U.S. FDA donor guidance
Confidence:
High confidence