Households could unknowingly be making their families sick with a potentially deadly poisoning that shares symptoms with the common cold
The similarity between the signs of carbon monoxide exposure and a cold can be confusing, as Gas Safe Register experts estimate that a staggering number of people are in danger of making a deadly mistake. BBC health expert Dr Punam Krishan is spearheading a campaign to educate the public on the differences between colds and CO poisoning, which could be life-saving.
A new study showed 94% of young adults don’t realise the symptoms of deadly carbon monoxide poisoning can mimic those of a cold, but two single symptoms could swing the scales. Dr Krishan cautioned: “Each year, 4,000 people across the UK attend A&E due to carbon monoxide poisoning, yet awareness of ‘the silent killer’ remains far too low.
“As a doctor, I’ve seen patients suffering from CO poisoning who were completely unaware of the symptoms until they came into contact with health services, which could have been avoided by following preventative guidance. The overlap between symptoms of a CO leak and a common cold – such as headaches, fatigue and dizziness – makes it easy to mistake one for the other, especially during this peak time for seasonal illnesses.”
To differentiate between the two, experts have highlighted that carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning does not cause a blocked nose or fever. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s more likely you’ve caught a seasonal virus rather than being exposed to the deadly gas.
However, if your winter illness isn’t improving with usual medication, this could be a warning sign of CO poisoning as it doesn’t improve with any drugs. Dr Krishan and the Gas Safe Register have provided a quick checklist to help determine if you’re at risk of serious CO poisoning:.
- Are you experiencing symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, and fatigue?
- Do your symptoms improve when you leave the house and breathe in fresh air?
- Are your symptoms worsening despite taking over-the-counter medicine?
- Are multiple people in your household suffering from headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, and fatigue?
- Do you have a working CO alarm?
If you suspect a CO leak in your home, the Gas Safe Register advises leaving your property immediately, seeking medical attention or dialling 999 if you feel unwell, and contacting the National Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999. This urgent alert follows new research revealing only a quarter of Brits can identify the symptoms of CO exposure.
The study also disclosed that over half of the participants found their medication didn’t always alleviate symptoms they associated with winter viruses. This could be a sign that they’re actually battling Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning rather than a common cold.
Compounding the issue, 63% admitted to keeping their central heating on with all windows shut, potentially trapping them in an environment with CO exposure. Carbon monoxide is notoriously dangerous as it’s invisible, tasteless and odourless, making it difficult to identify.
Consequently, most households need a CO alarm that functions like a smoke detector when it senses the gas. Regular checks and annual servicing of gas appliances can also reduce the risk for you and your family.
Jonathan Palmer, Standards and Training Manager at Gas Safe Register, urged: “As we approach the height of the cold and flu season, think twice about symptoms and ensure they’re not a sign of something more sinister. Alongside familiarising yourself with the symptoms of CO poisoning, the first line of defence to prevent a carbon monoxide leak should always be to have your gas appliances in the home safety checked.
“It’s important to get clued-up on the warning signs of a faulty gas appliance which can include black sooty stains or floppy yellow flames on a cooker specifically. With our appliances running much more over the winter period to keep our homes warm, it’s even more important that we ensure they are running efficiently and safely.”