The national reserve of O-negative and O-positive blood was down to just two days’ supply, so people with these blood types were being urged to make a donation.

The Warrnambool centre was looking for an additional 10 O-type and plasma donors each day between Monday May 22 and Friday June 2.

Australian Red Cross Blood Service spokesman Colin Littlejohn said cold and flu symptoms historically wipe out about 1000 donors a day over winter months, which affects supply.

“These two blood types are essential: O-negative is the universal type given to patients in emergency situations,” he said.

“And O-positive is the type that 39 per cent of Australians have – and therefore the most type needed – should they require a blood transfusion.”

“With one in three of us needing donated blood in our lifetime, the life you save could be that of friend or family member.”

Donors affected by cold and flu symptoms can give blood at least seven days after making a full recovery from the illness.