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People
who weigh less than 7st 12lbs (50kg) are more likely to faint if they
give blood because they lose relatively more of their blood volume
than larger people. Therefore we advise them not to donate, in the
interests of their own health and well-being.
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People
who smoke soon after giving blood are more likely to feel the effects
of nicotine and therefore faint.
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People
who take alcohol within a few hours of giving blood are more likely
to feel faint because alcohol dilates the blood vessels. This causes
less blood to be available to circulate to the brain leading to dizziness
and fainting.
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Being
in a hot room also causes the blood vessels to dilate and thus has
a similar effect to alcohol.
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Rushing
about, or vigorous exercise can also produce similar effects.
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Missing
meals and not replacing fluids means a delay in the recovery from
blood donation.
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Standing
still for long periods of time can lead to pooling of blood in the
legs, a situation similar to soldiers on parade. This reduces the
amount of blood available to the brain. If you rush about, miss a
meal, have a 'liquid lunch', a cigarette, or get overheated you may
feel faint even if you gave blood several hours ago.
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If
you do feel faint it is important to:
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tell
someone, either a friend or a member of our staff if you are at a
session.
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THEN
lie down, or bend forward with your head between your knees until
the feeling passes. Make sure that when you get up you do so slowly.
If you still feel faint, lie down again.
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Feeling
faint can happen to anyone.
However, fainting can often be avoided by following the advice given
to you by the National Blood Service.
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The
main considerations are:
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follow
the advice about resting after your donation
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take
plenty of fluid
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do
not smoke or drink alcohol within 2 hours of giving blood
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avoid
rushing around, standing still, hot environments and vigorous exercise
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