Post-Blood Donation: What to Avoid for Optimal Recovery

Immediately After (First 12 Hours)

• No strenuous activity or heavy lifting (risk of hypotension/fainting).
• No smoking for 30 minutes (impairs healing).
• No alcohol for 4 hours (thins blood, increases bleeding risk).
• No hot baths/showers for 4 hours (vasodilation → hypotension).
• No driving for 24 hours if dizzy/lightheaded.

Next Few Days

• Avoid strain on donation arm (lifting, sports, overhead reaching).
• No swimming for 24 hours (infection risk).
• No blood-thinning medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen).

Seek Medical Attention For:

• Dizziness/fainting, lightheadedness, nausea/vomiting
• Rapid heart rate, shortness of breath
• Pain/swelling at site, excessive bleeding/bruising, fever