The American Red Cross is urging healthy donors of all blood types to give blood or platelets to ensure a strong blood supply for patients as the U.S. braces for flu season while in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Medical experts are urging people to get the flu shot to avoid a flu epidemic on top of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Because blood can only be given by those who are feeling well, a severe flu season could create additional challenges to maintaining a sufficient blood supply for hospital patients in need.

Get the flu vaccine this year to help protect the nation from the virus but also to ensure that patients continue to have access to lifesaving blood products. There is no waiting period to give blood or platelets after receiving a flu shot as long as the donor is symptom-free and fever-free. There is no risk of transmitting the influenza virus after receiving a flu vaccination.

For those that have the flu, it is important to wait until they no longer exhibit flu symptoms, have recovered completely and feel well before attempting to donate. Donors must feel healthy and well on the day of donation.

Stay healthy this flu season and make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

In thanks for making time to donate, the Red Cross will send those who come to give through Nov. 11 a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Suburban Propane. Plus, those who come to give in October are automatically entered for a chance to win a $1,000 Amazon.com Gift Card. Five lucky people will win. (Restrictions apply. Additional information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Unite)

Blood drives

Brunswick – Oct. 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Brunswick Park & Rec, 220 Neptune Drive; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Morong Brunswick, 314 Bath Road; Oct. 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., American Legion Post 20, 1 Columbus Drive; Nov. 4, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Morong Brunswick, 314 Bath Road; Nov. 13, noon to 5 p.m., Brunswick Hotel and Tavern, 4 Noble St.

Bath – Nov. 10, 1 to 5:30 p.m., American Legion, 200 Congress Ave.

Topsham – Nov. 2, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 2 to 7 p.m., ARC Mid Coast Chapter, 16 Community Way