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Weird thought. Blood donation when not aware you have Lyme. No rush just weird thought

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Posted 7/30/2018 5:55 AM (GMT 0)
So I had a weird thought the other day. I’ve had lyme for years unknowingly. I’ve never seen anything regarding donating blood and having lyme. While I can’t due to medications but what about others. What if you had lyme for say 6 years and gave blood during that time? I know I saw something about it not being sexually spread but some spouses have gotten it. It made me wonder about blood donation.
Posted 7/30/2018 6:07 AM (GMT 0)
That is a legitimate concern.

I’m trying to remember - if they test the blood for Babesia - thought I read that.

Not sure why they’ve chosen it and not Lyme and Bart.

Edit - found this on cdc site - Babesia is the most common parasitic infection passed on in donated blood.
Doesn’t look like they test the blood for it though


/www.cdc.gov/parasites/babesiosis/resources/babesiosis_policy_brief.pdf
Posted 7/30/2018 12:48 PM (GMT 0)
Generally lyme doesn't spend much time in the blood. Most researchers who study these diseases think risk of transmission is relatively low with blood transfusions. Babesia is the super problematic one. Def should avoid giving blood if you have that one. That said, even if I just had lyme I'd avoid giving blood, I just wouldn't feel good about the potential risk I'd be putting other people under.

This was was one link I found on the subject: lymerick.net/Transmission-Bb-transfusion.htm

Post Edited (sebreg) : 7/30/2018 6:51:03 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/30/2018 2:42 PM (GMT 0)
I have the same concerns. I donated blood every year until I found out I had Lyme. I can't help but wonder about all those people who received my blood.
Posted 7/30/2018 3:19 PM (GMT 0)
Yup, big concern. "Lymies" should not give blood just in case there are pathogens in our blood.
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