Flu Causing Blood Shortage in Kan.

TOPEKA, Kan. — The flu epidemic is causing a shortage of blood donations in Kansas.

The state needs more than 500 units of blood daily to supply area hospitals. But donors have been canceling their appointments because of flu-like symptoms.

The Red Cross is now asking others to help.

“We are in a critical need-the hospital is always needing the  blood-and so we are asking anybody that is healthy right now to donate,” said Julie Fischer of the Red Cross.

Despite what some believe, the Red Cross said giving blood will not make you more susceptible to the flu virus.