ABILENE, Texas -- A flu outbreak is causing a blood shortage in Abilene.

Hendrick  Medical Center reported a big drop in donations since the flu hit. A local blood center is hosting blood drives to help out.

"We talked to other blood centers across the country, they are all pretty much in the same situation we are, so we aren't able to import. This means we totally rely on the community to help us supply the 17 hospitals that we serve,” said Frances Baker, donor recruiter.

Flu season won't be over for a while. It can last as late as May.