The American Red Cross (ARC) is encouraging people to get a flu vaccine this season in order to maintain a healthy population of eligible blood donors.
ARC said getting the flu vaccine doesn't prevent you from being eligible to give blood. The organization said blood can only be given by those who feel well, so an outbreak of the flu could lead to a shortage in donated blood.
If you have the flu, ARC said it's important to wait until you no longer have any symptoms and are fully recovered before attempting to donate.
Click here to find a blood drive near you.