Are you O-negative? Your blood is urgently needed

O-negative blood donors are desperately needed as blood supplies on the country's east coast dwindle to their lowest levels in five years.

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service needs another 3000 O-negative donors by September 15 to replenish supplies after it was hit hard by the cold and flu season.

Blood Service spokesperson Shaun Inguanzo said the high rate of flu and other illnesses this Winter meant regular donors were unable to give blood.

"Unfortunately, this season has lasted longer than in previous years, so we need other O-negative donors to take the place of those who have been unable to give," Mr Inguanzo told The Sydney Morning Herald.

Almost 60,000 cases of flu were recorded in NSW this year, twice as many as 2016’s 35,538 cases.

O-negative is the universal blood type and can be given to any patient in an emergency and accounts for 15 percent of all hospital demand.

However, only 8 – 9 percent of the population is O-negative.

Those who have been sick with a cold or flu can give blood at least seven days after making a full recovery. 

Call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au to register.