West Nile Virus

[Heming]

I'm not allowed to give blood in Norway because I'm gay, and if I weren't I'd be denied because I've lived in Scotland, and if I hadn't I'd be denied because I've been to London less than 18 months ago, and if I hadn't I'd be denied because I have body piercings.

Seems they aren't really that needy...

[KiltedKnome]

I suspect regulations regarding blood donation have scientific standards plus political tip-toeing behind them. We had a blood scandal in Canada in the 1980's, where tainted blood was inadvertently used in a vast number of blood transfusions, etc. The government ended up crafting a huge compensation package for victims who had contracted diseases as a result.

Prior to moving to Canada in 1989, I had been a regular blood donor through the American Red Cross and the U.S. military. Canada, however, will not "touch my blood with a ten-foot pole", with a "forever" timeline stamped on it. I had a blood transfusion in Kenya in 1979. The US military examined my blood with every conceivable tool in the 1980's, and gave me a clean bill of health. That still does not hold water with Canada. I understand their reasons, but always feel guilty when a call is out for B+.

[Dirka Skene]

Definitely a mosquito thing. I haven't heard a thing about WNV in a couple of years at least! I lived in Mississippi where big, black swarms of mosquitoes carry off cars and still no cases of WNV. H1N1 is the thing to worry about now. I'm not sure what all the fuss is over though. Nearly four times more people have died of seasonal flu since last year than H1N1.

I tried to give blood recently and couldn't because I've had some microdermal anchors removed. Before that I couldn't because of a new tattoo. Before that it was because I got the microdermal anchors. The pre-screen is very efficient.

[Tobus]

H1N1 is the thing to worry about now.

Hey, don't forget that between the menace of WNV and swine flu, the panic was over avian (bird) flu.

It's always something. Media hype, for the most part.