When faced with a health problem, the question can arise: should I call Saúde 24 or 112? Knowing when to call each service makes all the difference in ensuring that you get the right help at the right time. What is 112? 112 is the European emergency number and should only be used in serious situations that pose an imminent danger to life or require urgent medical assistance. In Portugal, it is INEM (National Institute of Medical Emergency) that receives and manages these calls, sending the appropriate means of assistance, such as ambulances or medical vehicles. When to call 112? You should call 112 whenever you are faced with a situation that puts someone’s life at risk or requires immediate help. Some examples: Altered state of consciousness or fainting Suspected stroke (difficulty speaking, asymmetrical smile, weakness on one side of the body) Severe breathing difficulties Choking unsuccessful after attempt to clear the obstruction Serious accidents with injuries Intense chest pain, a sign of possible heart attack Uncontrollable or very heavy bleeding Serious burns or burns to sensitive areas of the body. What should I do when calling 112? Stay calm and describe the situation clearly Indicate your exact location Answer all the operator’s questions Only hang up the call when you are told to. What is Saúde 24? The Saúde 24 hotline (808 24 24 24) is a telephone triage and medical advice service, available 24 hours a day for non-emergency situations. Through this service, health professionals assess the symptoms and advise on the steps to follow, and can recommend self-care, referral to a health center or, if necessary, to an emergency service. When to call Saúde 24? If the situation is not serious but you need medical advice, Saúde 24 can help. Examples of situations in which you should call: Persistent fever, without other serious symptoms Persistent cough or flu-like symptoms Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea without signs of severe dehydration Mild to moderate pain (throat, ears, stomach, head) Minor allergic reactions or skin changes Small cuts or wounds without heavy bleeding Mild changes in blood pressure, with no other associated symptoms Persistent crying for no apparent reason. Advantages of calling Saúde 24 Immediate medical advice without the need to travel Appropriate referral to the right level of care (self-care, health center or emergency room) Availability 24 hours a day, every day of the year Avoiding unnecessary emergency room visits, reducing hospital waiting times Support in various areas, including questions about symptoms, medication and vaccinations. Advantages of calling Saúde 24 Have your SNS user number, name and date of birth with you Describe the symptoms and indicate how long ago they appeared Follow the recommendations of your health professionals. If the Saúde 24 team realizes that the situation may be more serious than it seems, the call can be forwarded directly to INEM, guaranteeing the necessary help. 112 or Saúde 24? Which number should I choose? Situation Call Saúde 24 Call 112 Fever, cough or moderate pain Yes No Severe chest pain No Yes Small wounds without heavy bleeding Yes No Abundant and uncontrollable bleeding No Yes Suspected stroke No Yes Questions about medication or minor symptoms Yes No Serious accident with injuries No Yes What happens if I call the wrong number? If you call 112 with a non-urgent health problem, the call will not be prioritized and could end up overloading the emergency line, delaying the response to really serious cases. Operators may redirect you to Saúde 24, but this represents unnecessary time that can be avoided by choosing the right contact from the start. On the other hand, if you call Saúde 24 in a critical situation, the health professionals can identify the seriousness of the case and transfer the call to INEM. But note that this step delays the dispatch of help by a few minutes, which can be crucial in emergencies such as stroke or cardiac arrest. Other important contacts Poisons Information Center (CIAV) – 800 250 250: support in case of poisoning, available 24 hours a day. SNS 24 Psychological Support Line – 808 24 24 24 (Option 4): psychological support for emotional crises and mental health problems with specialized and confidential service National Social Emergency Line (LNES) – 144: support for victims of domestic violence, homelessness and other social emergencies. Service available 24 hours a day SOS Child Helpline – 116 111: support for children at risk or in emergency situations. Free and confidential service SOS Voz Amiga Line – 213 544 545 | 912 802 669 | 963 524 660: emotional support for people experiencing loneliness, anxiety or depression with anonymous and confidential service Elderly Citizen Helpline – 800 203 531: support for elderly people in situations of vulnerability or mistreatment with free and confidential assistance. Count on Ambula! If you need to be transported to a health facility and the situation doesn’t require calling 112, we offer a non-emergency ambulance service and guarantee a safe, comfortable journey with expert assistance. Count on Ambula for efficient transportation whenever you need it! Partilhar:

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that can appear at any time of life, but is more common in adults over the age of 50. It is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus, which remains dormant in the body after the person has had the disease. When the immune system weakens, the virus can reawaken, causing very uncomfortable symptoms. If you’ve heard of this condition and want to know how to identify it, what the risks are and how to treat it, read on. What is the zone? The area is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, varicella-zoster. After a person has chickenpox, the virus doesn’t disappear completely – it stays “hidden” in the nerve cells. It may never cause problems again but, in some people, it reactivates years later, manifesting itself in the form of a zit.Unlike chickenpox, which affects several parts of the body, a zit usually appears in a specific area of the skin (usually following the path of a nerve). Symptoms of the area In the first few days, symptoms can be confused with other conditions: Localized pain (usually on one side of the body) Burning or tingling sensation Fever and chills Headache Tiredness and general malaise. After this initial phase, the characteristic rash appears. It starts with red spots that quickly develop into small blisters filled with fluid. These blisters can be very painful and, in some cases, even the simple touch of clothing on the skin can be uncomfortable. Over time, the blisters dry out and form scabs, which eventually fall off after two to four weeks. Here’s how lesions can appear on the skin, from the first signs to the formation of scabs. Warning: Images may be sensitive for some people. Where do the lesions appear? The area can appear anywhere on the body, but is most common on the torso, face and around the eyes. It usually only affects one side of the body, following the path of a nerve. If the infection reaches the eye area (ophthalmic area), it can compromise vision and, in severe cases, lead to blindness. Is the area contagious? Yes and no. Anyone who has had chickenpox cannot “catch” it from someone else. However, someone who has never had chickenpox can contract the disease if they come into contact with the blisters of an infected person. For this reason, those who have it should avoid direct contact with pregnant women, babies and people with weakened immune systems. What can cause the virus to reactivate? The virus can remain inactive in the body for decades, but certain conditions can increase the risk of reactivation: Older age: the area is more common after the age of 50 Weakened immune system: people with diseases such as AIDS, cancer or undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy are more vulnerable Stress and fatigue: chronic stress can affect the immune system and facilitate the reactivation of the virus Surgery or trauma: some medical procedures can contribute to the reappearance of the infection. Treatment of the area There is no definitive cure, but there are treatments that help relieve symptoms and speed up recovery. Treatment should begin as soon as possible, ideally within the first three days of the lesions appearing. It is essential to consult a doctor as soon as the first signs of the disease appear, as treatment is most effective when started within the first 72 hours of the lesions appearing. How is the diagnosis made? Diagnosis of the area is mainly based on symptoms and observation of skin lesions. In doubtful cases, laboratory tests can be carried out to detect the presence of the active virus in the body. Medicines used Antivirals (acyclovir, valacyclovir): help reduce the duration of the disease and the intensity of symptoms Analgesics and anti-inflammatories: relieve pain and discomfort Anesthetic creams or gels (lidocaine): can be applied to the skin to reduce pain Cortisone (in some cases): used to reduce inflammation and the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia Medications for post-herpetic neuralgia (amitriptyline, gabapentin): used when the pain persists after the lesions have healed In addition to medical treatment, some measures can help relieve symptoms: Wear loose clothing to avoid friction with the skin Avoid touching or scratching blisters to prevent infection Keep skin clean and dry. How long does it take for the disease to pass? In most cases, this viral condition lasts between two and four weeks. The cycle begins with pain and tingling on the skin, followed by the appearance of rashes and fluid-filled vesicles. These eventually dry out and form scabs, which gradually fall off. Some people may continue to experience persistent pain in the affected area, a condition called post-herpetic neuralgia, which can last for months or even years. Recovery time can vary depending on age, the state of the immune system and how quickly treatment was started. How to prevent the area? The best way to prevent shingles is through vaccination. The shingles vaccine doesn’t guarantee total protection, but it significantly reduces the risk of developing the disease and the severity of symptoms. It is recommended for people over 50 and for risk groups. Currently, the vaccine is not reimbursed by the SNS, which means that the cost is borne by the user. The price is around 180 euros per dose, and two doses are needed to guarantee effective protection. For many, this can be an obstacle to accessing prevention. Faced with this reality, doctors and patient associations have called for the vaccine to be included in the National Vaccination Program, especially for those at higher risk of complications. If you have any doubts about the vaccine, talk to your family doctor and see if it makes sense for you. Strategies to prevent reactivation of the virus A balanced diet and physical exercise to strengthen the immune system. Stress management through meditation, yoga or relaxing activities. Adequate rest to avoid extreme fatigue and maintain the body’s defenses. Control of chronic diseases such as diabetes or

Choosing between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis may seem like a complicated decision, but it is, above all, a choice about what best suits the day-to-day life and needs of each patient. Each method has its own particularities, advantages and challenges, and understanding these differences is the first step towards making an informed and calm decision. So, come with us to explore, in a simple and practical way, what distinguishes these two options and how they can influence quality of life in the treatment of kidney failure. What is dialysis? It is a treatment that replaces some of the kidneys’ vital functions. Essentially, when the kidneys are no longer able to eliminate toxins and excess fluids from the body, this procedure becomes essential to maintain the chemical balance in the body. Dialysis acts as life support, removing metabolic waste, regulating potassium and bicarbonate, and removing accumulated fluids. Although it does not fully replace all kidney functions, dialysis is essential for prolonging life and guaranteeing an acceptable quality of life for patients with chronic kidney failure. What is peritoneal dialysis? Peritoneal dialysis is an alternative that uses the peritoneal membrane as a natural filter. In this method, a dialysis fluid is introduced into the abdominal cavity via a catheter, allowing toxins and excess fluids to be removed by diffusion and osmosis. There are two main types of peritoneal dialysis: Ambulatory Continuous Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD): the patient manually performs several fluid changes throughout the day Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD): a machine carries out the changes during the night, giving you more freedom during the day. This method is mostly done at home and offers greater autonomy and flexibility. What is hemodialysis? In hemodialysis, blood is removed from the body and filtered through a machine, where a dialyzer (or “artificial kidney”) removes toxins, excess potassium and accumulated fluids. This process is usually carried out in dialysis centers or units, three times a week, for around four hours per session. Alternatively, it is possible to carry out hemodialysis at home, although this is less common. The advantages of hemodialysis include the ability to quickly correct metabolic and water imbalances. However, it requires vascular access, such as a fistula or catheter, and can cause discomfort such as cramps or hypotension. What are the causes of kidney failure? Diabetes is the most common cause of high blood sugar levels Hypertension, which damages the blood vessels in the kidneys over time Hereditary kidney diseases such as polycystic kidney disease Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney filters) Frequent urinary infections that can lead to serious kidney complications Excessive use of medication, especially painkillers and anti-inflammatories Urinary obstructions caused by kidney stones, tumors or prostate enlargement. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis: main differences Both methods have advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on factors such as the patient’s state of health, lifestyle and personal preference. Here are the main differences between them: Hemodialysis Peritoneal dialysis Place of treatment Dialysis centers or at home At home (mainly) Frequency 3 times a week Daily Technique Machine-filtered blood Use of the peritoneal membrane Access Fistula or vascular catheter Catheter in the abdominal cavity Autonomy Minor Larger When is hemodialysis the best option? For patients with chronic renal failure in advanced stages When peritoneal dialysis is not possible due to medical or lifestyle conditions Suitable for those who prefer a controlled environment, under the supervision of health professionals Ideal for patients who need to quickly remove toxins from the body. And for whom is peritoneal dialysis the best option? Patients who wish to undergo treatment at home and have greater flexibility in their daily lives Those with vascular access difficulties, making hemodialysis impossible People with a stable routine who feel comfortable managing the process autonomously Those who prefer to avoid frequent trips to the hospital. Where to have hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis treatments? Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis treatments can be carried out in various locations: Dialysis centers and units: these units are spread throughout the country and offer specialized support. See the list of units on the website of the Portuguese Renal Insufficiency Association (APIR). At home: both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis can be carried out at home in order to provide greater comfort and flexibility for the patient. Do you need transportation for dialysis? Ambula guarantees safe, comfortable transportation adapted to your needs for your hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis sessions. Our team of professionals is ready to ensure that you reach your destination smoothly and on time. If you need specialized transport for your treatments, you can count on Ambula! Partilhar:

Having a family doctor is more than just an administrative formality. It’s ensuring that someone knows your health history, monitors your well-being and is there for you when you need them most. Despite its importance, many people still have doubts about how to access this service. If you’re among those looking for answers, read on to find out if you have the right to a family doctor, how you can request one and what has changed recently in terms of access to this service in the National Health Service (SNS). What is a family doctor? Also called general practitioners, they treat immediate health issues and monitor the physical, emotional and social development of their patients throughout their lives. The main responsibilities of a family doctor include: Primary health care. Diagnoses and treats common health problems, offering advice on prevention and well-being Continuous monitoring. Establishes a lasting relationship with users, often spanning several generations of the same family Prevention and health education. It works to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent diseases, helping to reduce future risks Care coordination. Ensures integrated health management, liaising with other specialists and services whenever necessary Holistic care. It values the user as a whole, taking into account physical, psychological and social aspects. First point of contact. It acts as the gateway to the health system, responding to initial concerns and guiding the next steps. When should I see a family doctor? General health issues: pains, fevers, infections, allergies or other non-urgent health problems Chronic diseases: monitoring and adjusting treatments for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or asthma Routine examinations: regular check-ups, including blood tests, cholesterol screening and blood pressure measurements Vaccination: administration of vaccines provided for in the National Vaccination Program Mental health: initial support in cases of depression, anxiety or other psychological problems, with referral to specialists if necessary Prevention and health advice: guidance on healthy lifestyles, nutrition, smoking cessation and disease prevention Reproductive health: family planning, contraception, pregnancy issues and screening tests Prescriptions and renewals: obtaining medicines for continuous use or prescribing new treatments Referral to specialists: evaluation and referral for specialized consultations or specific treatments Absences and certificates: issuing justifications for work, school or sporting activities. Who has the right to a family doctor? In Portugal, anyone registered with the National Health Service (SNS) has the right to a family doctor, including: Portuguese citizens Legal foreign residents Beneficiaries of international agreements Refugees and asylum seekers. However, the assignment of this professional depends on availability at the health unit in the area of residence. Priority is given to: Pregnant women Children up to 12 years old Chronic patients. How to ask for a family doctor To request a family doctor, follow these steps: Registration with the SNS. Start by registering with the National Health System (SNS). Go to the Health Center closest to your area of residence with the following documents: Citizen’s Card or other valid identification document and proof of residence (such as a utility bill or tenancy agreement).During this process, you will be registered in the National User Register (RNU) and receive your National User Number (NNU). At the request of the family doctor. Once you are registered with the SNS and have your User Number, ask at the Health Center to be assigned a family doctor. Availability depends on the number of doctors in your area, but once you’ve been assigned one, you’ll be able to start booking primary healthcare appointments. In some regions, it is possible to start the registration process online through platforms such as the SNS Portal or SNS 24, but the most common method is still in person at the Health Center. How do I know if I have a family doctor? To check if you have been assigned a family doctor, you can: Consult the Health Center. Go to your health center and ask for this information Check in the MySNS application. In your personal area, you can check if you have a family doctor associated with you Contact by phone or e-mail. Your Health Center can provide this information through the contacts available. If you don’t yet have a family doctor, you will be included on a waiting list and may, in urgent situations, be seen by other health professionals at the center. What if I don’t have a family doctor? If you don’t have a doctor assigned to you, you can go to: Resource consultations: available at specific times in the Health CenterSNS 24: for appointments and information on health care Or emergency services. New rules for 2025 Since January 2025, the government has introduced new priorities for the allocation of family doctors: Extended child priority: children up to the age of 12 (previously up to the age of two) are given priority Attention to specific groups: pregnant women and the chronically ill maintain priority Loss of entitlement: emigrants and foreign residents who have not had a consultation in the last five years may lose their family doctor. These measures come as part of the Health Emergency and Transformation Plan, with the aim of improving the management of available resources. Do you need transportation to your appointments? For users who need to travel frequently to appointments or treatments and face mobility difficulties, Ambula offers a non-emergency patient transportation service that ensures they can travel comfortably and efficiently to the healthcare they need. The family doctor’s most frequently asked questions How do I find a family doctor? You must register at your local health center. Allocation depends on the availability of doctors in the area. How much do you lose the right to a family doctor? Entitlement is lost if you change your area of residence without updating the register or if you cease to be eligible according to SNS criteria. How to contact a family doctor Use the Health Center’s channels, such as the reception desk, e-mail or the MySNS application. How can I get an appointment without a family doctor? You can go to the complementary care of the Health Center or

Every day, thousands of people dedicate their time and energy to caring for someone with mobility difficulties, chronic illnesses or physical limitations. However, this care goes far beyond a simple task: it is an emotional and physical commitment that requires courage, patience and dedication. Find out more about this fundamental but often invisible role. Find out how it works, how to request it and what other useful features you can find on the SNS 24 Portal and the SNS 24 App. What is the Informal Caregiver Status? Created precisely to recognize the importance of this role, the Statute for Informal Car ers guarantees the rights and support of carers who help people with dependencies on a daily basis, whether due to age, illness or disability. It offers a series of benefits and also defines duties that make the task fairer and more balanced. What are the rights of the informal caregiver? Informal caregivers duly recognized by Social Security have access to a series of rights aimed at ensuring their well-being and ability to care: Support and training. They can receive specific training and support from health professionals, from the evolution of the cared-for person’s illness to the best practices for providing care Psychological support. This right extends even after the death of the person being cared for, guaranteeing emotional support at a delicate time Rest periods. To prevent burnout, caregivers are entitled to annual breaks, which can be adjusted to their needs Student worker scheme. If they are attending an educational institution, they have access to the benefits of this scheme Support allowance. A financial benefit for primary caregivers, subject to certain income conditions (explained below) Specific intervention plan (SIP) . This document is drawn up in conjunction with health and social security professionals and details the needs of the caregiver and the dependent person. Teleworking and flexible working hours. Non-primary caregivers can request teleworking, as long as it is compatible with their duties. What are the duties of the informal caregiver? Being an informal caregiver is not just a right; it also entails responsibilities: Ensuring the well-being of the person being cared for. This includes daily support, administering medication, promoting autonomy and maintaining a safe and comfortable environment Provide permanent care. The caregiver must ensure that the person being cared for receives the necessary care in terms of health, food and hygiene Collaboration with professionals. The caregiver must inform the services of any relevant changes and take part in the planned training sessions Compliance with legal obligations. It includes informing Social Security of changes such as the end of cohabitation, death of the person being cared for or withdrawal from the status Support socialization. The caregiver is also responsible for encouraging the person being cared for to remain socially active, where possible Continuous monitoring. The person being cared for must be constantly monitored, regardless of whether they are at home or in some kind of institution. Who can be considered an informal caregiver? An informal caregiver can be: Family member: a spouse, sibling, child or other family member up to the 4th degree of the straight or collateral line Non-family caregivers: the novelty introduced by the law in 2024 is the possibility of non-family caregivers, such as friends or neighbors, obtaining this status, as long as they have the same tax address as the person being cared for. What are the requirements and conditions for becoming an informal caregiver? To be recognized as an informal caregiver, the applicant must: Be of legal age Legally resident in Portugal Be in good health to be able to care for the dependent person Be a relative of the person being cared for or, in the case of non-family carers, have the same tax address as the person being cared for. In addition, to be a primary caregiver, the person must live with the person being cared for and provide care on a permanent basis. Formal and informal care: what’s the difference? The main difference between a formal and informal caregiver lies in the relationship with the person being cared for. The formal caregiver is a professional who works in health institutions or care services and is paid for it. The informal caregiver, on the other hand, is someone from the family or a friend who takes care of someone without pay, on a voluntary basis. And main and non-main informal caregiver? The distinction between main and non-main informal caregivers has to do with the intensity and permanence of the care provided. The main caregiver lives with the dependent person and is dedicated to caring for them on an ongoing basis, without receiving remuneration. The non-main caregiver, on the other hand, provides care on a more sporadic basis and may have another paid occupation. How to apply for Informal Carer Status? To apply for the status, the caregiver must go to Social Security, either online or in person. The process is simple, but requires the person being cared for to give their consent and provide a medical statement proving their dependency. How do I apply for the main informal carer’s allowance? The subsidy is applied for when the caregiver formalizes the request for recognition of the status. The informal caregiver support allowance is awarded to those who meet the requirements, such as being the main caregiver and not receiving any remuneration for the care provided. How much is the informal carer’s allowance and how is it calculated? The monthly allowance for main informal caregivers depends on the household’s means test. In 2025, the conditions are considered to be met if the household’s reference income is less than 1.3 times the IAS, or 679.25 euros. The amount of the allowance is calculated by the difference between the household’s income and the value of the IAS, which this year is 522.5 euros. For example, if the monthly income is 300 euros, the allowance will be 222.5 euros (522.5€ – 300€). The allowance can be increased if the main informal carer is registered with the

There are times when your health demands a break, even if only for a short time. The good news is that, in cases of illness, you can justify up to three days’ absence from work without a doctor’s certificate by using the Self-Declaration of Illness (ADD). Find out how it works, how to request it and what other useful features you can find on the SNS 24 Portal and the SNS 24 App. Self-declaration of illness: what it is Self-declaration of illness – also known as “sick leave” – is a simple and practical mechanism designed for short-term illnesses. Without the need to go to the doctor or health center, the employee can justify up to three consecutive days of sick leave by declaring it under oath. This system, valid for people over the age of 16, allows absences to be justified up to twice a year, giving a total of six sick days per calendar year (using two three-day sick days). It’s especially useful for dealing with mild colds, temporary illnesses or other situations that don’t require immediate medical attention. And even if you only need to miss one day, you can ask for a one-day sickness self-declaration. When should I request my self-declaration? You must request a self-declaration of illness within five days of the start of the absence. Please note: as mentioned, you can only use it twice a year, with a maximum of three consecutive days per request. How do I obtain a self-declared illness? There are three very simple ways to request a three-day leave, either online or by phone: Request a self-declaration of illness on the SNS 24 Portal Access the SNS 24 Portal Authenticate yourself with your Digital Mobile Key, Citizen Card or user number Click on “Self-declaration of illness” Indicate the date of onset of illness Confirm your details and submit your request. You will receive a code that you can share with your employer. Request a self-declaration of illness on the SNS 24 App Install the SNS 24 App on your cell phone Follow the same steps as on the portal to place your order. Request a self-declaration of illness on the SNS 24 App If you prefer to speak to someone, you can call 808 24 24 24 and request ADD with the help of an operator. How to validate the self-declaration of illness? You can easily consult and validate the self-declaration: On the SNS 24 Portal: access your personal area and consult your request history In the SNS 24 App: the code will be available in your account By SMS or email: use the confirmation message you received Through the SNS 24 Line: call 808 24 24 24. Give the validation code to the employer, who will be able to confirm its authenticity on the SNS 24 Portal. Other SNS 24 features Self-declaration of illness is just one of the many facilities offered by SNS 24. On the portal and in the app, you can: Scheduling health center or pediatric appointments Access the digital vaccination bulletin Consult analysis and exam results Renewing prescriptions. Other SNS 24 features Limitations: remember that ADD can only be used twice a year and is not paid for. After the three days, if you are still ill, you will need to obtain a medical certificate How to share the code: as soon as you issue the self-declaration, send the code you received to your employer. The employer can confirm authenticity on the SNS 24 Portal Use responsibly: ADD is a practical but limited resource. Reserve it for situations where you really need it. Your health first Do you need to get to an appointment or an exam and don’t have transportation? Don’t worry, you can count on Ambula ! We take care of transportation in complete safety and comfort. Partilhar:

A simple act, but one of gigantic importance that can literally save lives. Every day, in hospitals and health centers, people depend on this gesture to survive. But how does it work? Who can donate? What are the rights and duties of a donor? The importance of donating blood Human blood is irreplaceable and there is no technology or laboratory capable of replicating it. That’s why it depends entirely on the solidarity of those who decide to donate. It is used in transfusions, surgeries, cancer treatments, accidents and, believe me, blood reserves need to be constantly renewed. Did you know that a single donation can save up to three lives? Who can donate blood? To be a blood donor, you need to: Be between 18 and 65 years old. If you’re a regular donor, you can continue until you’re 60, or 65 in specific cases Be at least 50 kg Be healthy, without blood-borne diseases such as HIV or hepatitis Have healthy habits and avoid risky behavior. Who can’t donate blood in Portugal? There are situations that can prevent donation, either temporarily or permanently: Had a tattoo or piercing less than four months ago Has recently undergone surgery, including dental surgery (less than three months) You are pregnant or breastfeeding (less than 12 months) Received a blood transfusion after 1980 You have been diagnosed with chronic or infectious diseases (such as insulin-dependent diabetes or malaria) Had a new sexual partner in the last 6 months, without knowing their health history. Each case will be assessed during the clinical screening carried out before the donation. How to donate blood Before donating, the donor must: Identify yourself with a valid document Undergo a medical assessment, which includes measuring blood pressure, testing hemoglobin levels and filling out a health questionnaire Be well fed and rested. Blood donor rights Centro de Sangue e da Transplantação do PortoRua do Bolama, n.º 133, PortoOpening hours: Monday to Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. Blood donor rights On the other hand, the donor must: Provide true and complete information about your state of health Formalize consent in writing by filling in the form approved by the public body responsible Respect the intervals between donations (three months for men and four months for women) Comply with medical guidelines before and after donation. You can find all the rights and duties of a blood donor in the Blood Donor Statute, in the Diário da República. Where can I donate blood? You can donate blood at fixed collection centers or in mobile units that travel to various locations. You can find these locations, available from north to south of the country, at Dador.pt. How to request sick leave Sick leave is issued exclusively by authorized entities, such as: NHS health centers (generally by family doctors) Hospitals (except emergency services) Permanent Assistance Services (SAP) Drug addiction prevention and treatment services. What if you need transportation to go to a health unit to claim your sick leave? You can count on Ambula to take you there safely. Where to donate blood in Lisbon? Centro de Sangue e da Transplantação de LisboaAv. do Brasil, n.º 53, LisboaOpening hours: Monday to Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. Where to donate blood in Porto? Centro de Sangue e da Transplantação do PortoRua do Bolama, n.º 133, PortoHours: Monday to Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The National Sngue Donor Card This card records all your donations, registered in the database of the Portuguese Institute of Blood and Transplantation (IPST, IP) and facilitates access to the benefits provided. It can be consulted on the SNS 24 App, where you’ll find information such as your national donor number, blood group and the dates and locations of donations. The most common questions about donating blood Can people with tattoos donate blood? Yes, as long as at least four months have passed since the event. What can you eat before donating blood? Eat a light meal and avoid fatty foods. Can people who have had a blood transfusion donate blood? No, if the transfusion took place after 1980. What is the minimum weight to donate blood? You must weigh at least 50 kg. Which blood type can donate to all blood types? Type O negative. Also known as a universal donor. How often can I donate blood? Men: every three months. Women: every four months. Up to what age can I donate blood? Up to the age of 65, under specific conditions. What blood types are there? There are four main blood groups: A, B, AB and O. Each group can be Rh positive (+) or negative (-), making a total of eight different blood types (A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, AB-, O+ and O-). Partilhar: