Some myths about receiving blood sound like stories from movies, but they can cause real fear in families. One common belief is that a transfusion can change a person’s personality, habits or even religious identity.

Myth: “I will get the donor’s personality, habits, or sins”

Fact: Personality, memories and character traits are not carried in blood.

·       Blood contains cells and proteins, not memories or personality.

·       Traits like kindness, anger, addiction or religious faith come from the brain, experiences and personal choices, not blood cells.

·       There is no scientific evidence that receiving blood changes who you are as a person.

A patient who seems different after illness usually changes because of:

·       Relief or stress after a life‑threatening event.

·       Effects of the disease or other medicines (such as painkillers, sedatives, or chemotherapy).

·       Emotional impact of being in hospital.

These changes are psychological or medical, not a transfer of the donor’s personality.

Myth: “I will start liking the donor’s food or lifestyle”

Fact: Food preferences and lifestyle choices are shaped by culture, taste and experience, not blood.

·       There is no known biological mechanism for liking certain foods or habits “carried” in red cells, platelets or plasma.

·       You will not suddenly crave the donor’s favorite dishes or adopt their hobbies.

If someone’s preferences change after illness, it is more likely:

·       Due to changes in appetite or taste from medicines or infections.

·       Because of new resolutions about living more healthily after a serious medical event.

Myth: “My blood must match the donor’s religion or ethnicity”

Fact: Blood has no religion or ethnicity in the medical sense.

·       Blood types (A, B, AB, O; Rh positive/negative) are unrelated to religion or nationality.

·       Donors and recipients of any faith or ethnic group can safely give and receive blood from each other if medically compatible.

From an ethical point of view, many religious teachings emphasise saving life, and do not require that the donor share the recipient’s background.