Andy Cohen said he has ‘robust’ Covid-19 antibodies but can’t donate plasma because he’s gay
CNNCNN — TV host Andy Cohen said he’s disappointed that – even though he’s tested positive for “robust” Covid-19 antibodies – he isn’t allowed to potentially help coronavirus patients by donating plasma because he’s a gay man. Cohen told “The View” on Tuesday that the roadblock is what he calls “antiquated and discriminatory guidelines by the FDA to prevent HIV.” The FDA’s updated rules bar any man who has had sex with another man in the past three months from donating blood or plasma. In April, the FDA said they are limiting the plasma treatments to those who are most seriously ill. Cohen announced his positive Covid-19 diagnosis on Instagram in March, “after a few days of self-quarantine, and not feeling great.” About 11 days later, the Bravo executive returned to work on his radio show and shared his experience recovering from the virus at home. “What a loss,” Cohen said on “The View.” “Here I have these robust antibodies, and I can’t share my plasma and possibly help anybody.