“It is a good thing to learn caution from the misfortunes of others.”-Publilius Syrus
Once reserved as a lifesaving medical procedure, blood transfusions are now being applied widely, sometimes even as a preventative measure. Before considering any non-emergent medical procedure, educate yourself on the risks and carefully balance those against any potential benefit. Learn exactly how blood transfusions can be dangerous--causing infection, allergic reaction, disease, and worse.
Complications and Allergic Reactions
While routine procedures like a blood transfusion are often assumed to be safe, there is always a risk of complications. These can range from mild to severe. They may include both immediate acute symptoms and slow to develop long-term diseases.
It is actually not uncommon for a blood transfusion to cause itching, hives, fever, or other symptoms of allergic reaction within a few days. A hemolytic reaction occurs when your immune system attacks the new red blood cells because the donor’s blood type was not a close enough match. Your body interprets the blood as a pathogen and begins to react. If the reaction is severe, it can cause significant harm to your kidneys, lung injury, circulation issues, air embolism, hypothermia, or clotting abnormalities. Any of these can become life threatening.
Infection and Disease Risks
There is also a risk of transfusion-transmitted infection (TTIs). A TTI occurs when a pathogen enters your body through blood transfusion (Medstar Health). One notorious historical example of infection passed through blood transfusion is HIV, but there are others. Some of the potential dangers include Hepatitis A, B, or C, Lyme Disease, and Cytomegalovirus (CMV).
A variety of infection-causing organisms may also be transmitted through blood transfusions, including bacteria (salmonella), viruses, prions, or parasites (malaria). These are sometimes accompanied by spike proteins, fake antibodies and factors that cause sterility, disease, or hormone imbalance.
While donor blood is screened, the process is not always thorough or fool proof. As a result, clinical research shows that individuals who receive blood transfusions have increased risk of premature death, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, infection and cancer.
Choosing Unvaccinated
“With 60% of the eligible U.S. population fully vaccinated, most of the nation’s blood supply is now coming from donors who have been inoculated” (WebMD, 2021). This has led concerned patients to demand blood from only unvaccinated sources. However, blood centers claim this is not possible or feasible. Be advised that by receiving a blood transfusion you may inadvertently receive vaccine materials into your bloodstream without your consent.
It should also be noted that the WHO has updated their COVID-19 therapeutics guideline to advise against convalescent plasma as prevention or treatment in mild to moderate cases.
In clinical trials, transfusions of blood plasma from someone who has recovered from COVID-19 have not been shown to improve survival or reduce severity. What they do supply is an increased risk of complication and infection.
Weighing The Risk
In spreading awareness of the dangers of blood transfusion, the hope is that patients will recognize these risks and make cautious, informed choices. Transfusions can be lifesaving, but research suggests that this type of treatment should be reserved as a last resort for serious medical conditions. They should not be performed casually, recklessly, or without a clear understanding of unwanted outcomes.
For personalized guidance to protect and improve your health, schedule an individual phone consultation with Rose.
*This blog contains Amazon affiliate links. The owner of this site may receive a small commission if you click a link and make a recommended purchase.
What To Remember:
Blood transfusions can cause allergic reactions, infections, and life-threatening disease.Be aware that while not disclosed, a majority of donated blood comes from individuals who have been vaccinated.Make educated, informed decisions to safeguard your own health and wellness.