Blood levels are critically low in the Siouxland area - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

Only a one or a two day supply of blood.  That's all LifeServe Blood Center has from donors.

And, you can blame the flu.

During the month of January, LifeServe officials say they've seen their inventory dropped because the donors got the flu, or have a cold, and aren't eligible to donate.

They say 14 lab tests are performed on each blood donation but the flu is something screeners verbally ask donors about even before they can get in the chair and roll up their sleeves.

Officials say they need 2,500 donors in the month of January to maintain a sufficient level of blood and they are falling short of that goal.

"Really, it's everything. Especially "O" negative. "O" negative is the universal blood type that we are seeing very low in but by all means, all types at this time are in critical need," Cristy Van Beek, the Hospital Services Manager at LifeServe Blood Center said.

Van Beek says another factor that keeps donors away is the cold weather.

Despite that, she's encouraging folks to come in and donate blood.

"We as LifeServe, service over 90 hospitals in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota so we are calling on everyone to come out, help your community, make sure that we get our blood supply back up to a considerable level," Van Beek said.

For more information, contact LifeServe at 800-287-4903 or Click here for more information.