Can I donate blood if I have a fever?
What this means
- A current fever means you should reschedule.
- Once the fever is gone and you feel well again, usually a few days, you can donate.
- Centers check your temperature as part of the mini-physical.
What to do next
Wait until your temperature has been normal and you feel back to yourself, then book.
When to call the center: Call if the fever was part of an illness that needed antibiotics or hospital care.
If you need to wait
Wait until your temperature is normal and symptoms have cleared, 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 reminderWhy this rule exists
A fever can be a sign of an active infection, so centers wait until it resolves.
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.
Related questions
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Read the full pledgeSources 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.
- American Red Cross
- AABB (Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Blood Donation
- Canadian Blood Services
- Last reviewed:
- Next review due:
- Reviewed by:
- Reviewed against American Red Cross, AABB, and U.S. FDA donor guidance
- Confidence:
- High confidence