The Medical Implications of the Abuja Bomb Blast
Exactly a year ago, I ran an article about the National Blood Bank running dry. It was very scary seeing this as a Pharmacist trained and practiced 25 years in America. Blood Banks are not suppose to be depleted in case of emergencies needed to save lives like the one today. The Abuja bomb blast was massive and happened during rush hour in the nation’s capital and it’s possibly the biggest news globally today.
Now comes word that almost 350 people need blood donated to then today as soon as possible. Nigerians should not joke with this situation and I urge everyone that can get to the location at the National Blood Transfusion Service at 39, Abidjan street in Wuse, Abuja to go safely and donate. It takes five minutes and you don’t suffer any pain. Eat a healthy meal before your donation if you can. Avoid fatty foods as they can affect the tests done on your blood. If there is too much fat in your blood, your donation cannot be tested for infectious diseases and the blood will not be used for transfusion.
Drink an extra four (8 ounce) glasses of liquids and avoid alcohol over the next 24 hours. Remove the wrap bandage (if you had one put on your arm) within the next hour. Keep the strip bandage on for the next several hours. The center will advise you how to take care of yourself in case you experience dizziness later in the day. Just lie down and know you have saved a life.
Dr Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo Pharm.D is a Pharmacist and the News Director of HNNAfrica, Africa’s Innovative World Newsroom based in Ibadan. She runs #HNNhealth and can be followed @HNNAfrica and @HealthReports on Twitter.
