The Gas Safe Register is making an urgent appeal to Brits as the winter season brings not just more people using potential carbon monoxide leaking devices but also the common colds and flu that might leave many avoiding help until it’s too late. Carbon monoxide poisoning can have remarkably similar symptoms to the common cold, with the experts estimating 50 million people are putting themselves at risk by not knowing the difference.
BBC expert Dr Punam Krishan joined efforts to raise awareness of the difference between colds and CO poisoning, which could save lives. As a staggering 94% of young adults aren’t aware that symptoms of the deadly poisoning could overlap with the common cold, she warned: “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 help distinguish the two, the expert pointed out that CO poisoning does not cause nasal congestion and fever, having these two extra symptoms are far more likely indicating you have a seasonal virus that exposure to the potentially deadly gas. However, if you’re trying to medicate your winter illness and the usual meds aren’t working like they used to, it could be a warning sign of CO poisoning as this illness doesn’t improve with any medication.
Dr Krishan and the Gas Safe Register experts highlighted a quick checklist people can use to help solidify whether they have a serious carbon monoxide risk:
- Do you have symptoms of CO poisoning such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath and fatigue?
- Do symptoms improve when you are out of the house and breathing fresh air?
- Are your symptoms getting worse even with over-the-counter medicine?
- Are multiple people in the house experiencing headaches, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath and fatigue?
- Do you have a CO alarm and is it working properly?
If you do suspect you have a carbon monoxide leak in your home, the Gas Safe Register recommends leaving your house as soon as possible, seeing a doctor or calling 999 if you are unwell and contacting the National Gas Emergency Helpline available 24/7 on 0800 111 999. This urgent warning comes as new research showed only a quarter of Brits could recognise carbon monoxide exposure symptoms.
It also revealed more than half of people found their medication didn’t always provide relief for what they believed was winter viruses, which can be an indicator that they’re fighting CO poisoning rather than the common cold. Worsening the situation, 63% noted they keep the central heating on with all the windows closed, potentially sealing them into CO exposure.
Carbon monoxide is well-known as a potentially deadly gas because its natural form cannot be seen, tasted or smelt which makes it hard to detect. As a result, most homes require a CO alarm that operates like a smoke alarm when it detects the gas. Ensuring gas appliances are checked and serviced annually can also lower the risk you and your family face.
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.”