Are blood transfusions safe?

Almost risk free: Alexis, i would have to say that blood transfusions are safe but not entirely risk free. Those that donate blood are given a rigorous questionaire, and physically examined. Then the blood removed is tested for all types of infectious disease agents including hepatitis and hiv. The unit is then processed, stored under strict federal guidelines, and tested again before you receive the unit.

Relatively: If you really need blood, worth the risk. The greatest danger is lung damage, which is thankfully only a real problem in 1 person out of about 5000; most folks recover. Fatal type mismatches are rare today. Hives and fever are nuisances but fairly common. Blood is screened for hepatitis b and c, HIV 1 and 2, and several other viruses using 21st century technology and the risk is extremely low.