Urgent warning as ‘cold and flu symptoms’ can easily be mistaken for deadly CO poisoning

BRITS are being urged to check if their cold symptoms are a sign of something more sinister this winter.

Headaches, shortness of breath and fatigue can potentially be signs of carbon monoxide exposure.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that can make you seriously ill if breathed in.

It can be made by fires and appliances that burn gas, wood, oil or coal, which are commonly used during the winter months.

And it can lead to serious health complications, such as cardiac arrest, brain damage, and even death.

But new research has revealed only a quarter (27 per cent) of Brits recognise the symptoms of CO poisoning.

According to the findings by Gas Safe Register, over half of Brits (54 per cent) incorrectly identified nasal congestion and fever as potential signs of CO poisoning – two of the symptoms that are unlikely to occur when exposed to the deadly gas.

The company has partnered with Dr Punam Krishan to raise awareness of the key differences between symptoms of CO poisoning and colds at the height of the cold and flu season, as, according to the research, January is the month when people are most prone to suffering from seasonal viruses.

The research also found people across the country consume a combined 5.4 billion medicinal tablets every winter to help treat cold and flu symptoms.

More than half (54 per cent) admitted their medication sometimes failed to provide relief, which could suggest exposure to CO, which no amount of over-the-counter pills can treat. 

Over three quarters (76 per cent) of respondents said they try to self-manage cold and flu symptoms before seeking medical advice, while nearly two thirds (63 per cent) would stay warm indoors with the central heating on and windows closed – contrary to potentially lifesaving health and safety advice to seek fresh air if experiencing a CO leak. 

Recent data has highlighted that UK household exposures are estimated to be seven times higher than the figures currently reported, partially because CO cannot be seen, tasted or smelt which makes it notoriously hard to detect.

Symptoms of CO poisoning can often be mild and easily mistaken for common illnesses like a cold or flu, yet a third (33 per cent) of respondents assumed they would feel severely unwell if they were exposed to a carbon monoxide leak. 

Dr Punam Krishan, who is helping to educate the nation about CO poisoning during the peak cold and flu season, said: “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.

“However, it’s important to remember that while some symptoms may overlap, nasal congestion and fever are not typically associated with CO poisoning, which can help distinguish the two.” 

The research found that the lack of knowledge about symptoms of CO poisoning was particularly prevalent in younger generations – 94 per cent of 18-24-year-olds didn’t associate the overlapping cold and flu symptoms with CO poisoning, with knowledge increasing slightly to 89 per cent for 25-34-year-olds.

Ensuring gas appliances are safety checked and serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer is one of the most important steps that can be taken to minimise the risk of a potential CO leak. Yet, nearly a third (28 per cent) of 18-24-year-olds have not had their gas appliances safety checked in the past year – making them the least likely age group to have carried out this essential maintenance.  

More widely, when it comes to the nation’s gas safety habits, nearly a fifth (16 per cent) did not have an audible CO alarm in their house or were unsure if they did.

In a similar trend, almost a quarter (23 per cent) were either unsure or had not had their gas appliances safety checked and serviced in the past year. 

Jonathan Palmer, Standards and Training Manager at Gas Safe Register, said: “As we approach the height of the cold and flu season, we are issuing a call for anyone who starts feeling under the weather to ‘Check Your Cold’ – think twice about symptoms and ensure they’re not a sign of something more sinister. 

“But 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 on an annual basis. A Gas Safe registered engineer will carry out an inspection and ensure your appliances are operating safely and efficiently as part of a check, and can detect early signs of wear and tear which could become a more serious problem later down the line if left unaddressed. 

“Alongside this, 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.”