I give blood about 2 or 3 times a year. Every time I do, I feel like [censored] for at least a few days later. If I give in the winter I usually get sick within a few weeks. This winter I haven't given blood and haven't got sick.
Giving blood definitely lowers your white blood cell count. Could it significantly lower your immune response?
Have there been any studies done on health effects of giving blood?
I also have doubts about the real social benefits of giving blood because I personally believe a lot of surgeries are unnecessary and don't want to encourage them. Just my view, but I'm mainly interested if there are serious scientific studies about health effects of giving blood.
