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Is it Flu or Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

By Roy Kelley

Industry Observer with Retired

January 18, 2015 07:00 PM

Is it Flu or Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Winter is here and thousands of adults and children will experience "flu-like" symptoms. But not all such cases are caused by the flu virus. Some victims actually have been unknowingly exposed to carbon monoxide (CO), which can result in serious injury or even death.

The symptoms of CO generally progress as exposure increases. If exposure is prolonged, symptoms can become life-threatening, including increased heart rate, loss of consciousness, convulsions and seizures. Coma, brain damage and death can result if exposure is severe.In fact, the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be quite similar to flu symptoms, which can sometimes even mask a CO poisoning. The longer CO symptoms are overlooked, the more difficult it becomes to treat victims effectively.

Carbon monoxide cannot be detected by human senses. The only safe way to detect it is to properly install CO alarms in the right locations in the home. Surprisingly, 75 million American homes do not have CO alarms. In addition to installing CO alarms, watch for these symptoms of CO poisoning:

MINOR SYMPTOMS

Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Irritability
Blurred vision

MODERATE SYMPTOMS (in addition to minor symptoms)

Drowsiness
Weakness
Dizziness
Fainting
Severe headache
Difficulty thinking

SEVERE SYMPTOMS (in addition to moderate symptoms)

Increased heart rate
Loss of consciousness
Convulsions/seizure

During winter the chance of CO poisoning increases so please make sure to ask the question "Is it flu or CO poisoning?" Don't wait until it's too late to install CO alarms. For more information, visit www.knowaboutCO.com

This notice was provided by the Montgomery County, Maryland Fire & Rescue Service.

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Comments(33)

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Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate

John L Scott Market Center - Birkenfeld, OR

"Your Local Expert!" 503-739-3843

Roy, the law now is that CO detectors as well as smoke alarms have to be installed properly by the seller before selling their home. We have a sheet that the seller and buyer have to sign on the CO detectors, so they are aware of it when listing the house. If it's more than one story, you have to have one on each floor and I believe that it is similar to smoke detectors in that they have to be within 15' of a bedroom. You can get a combo of these, as well, found at Home Depot, Lowes and Costco, if I'm not mistaken.

Jan 18, 2015 10:30 PM

2

Roy Kelley

Gaithersburg, MD
Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®

Lewisburg, WV

Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties

Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN

The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Roy, So many people have been sick and this is valuable information that will help people all over the country.

Jan 18, 2015 10:40 PM

1

Roy Kelley

Gaithersburg, MD

Scott Godzyk

Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH

One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

We have seen an increase in reports this winter, it is important to be aware of the symptoms as time matters.

Jan 18, 2015 10:42 PM

1

Roy Kelley

Gaithersburg, MD

Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®

Lewisburg, WV

Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate

Thanks for this good information as most consumers do not know what symptoms to look for when it comes to carbon monoxide poisoning,

Jan 18, 2015 10:45 PM

1

Roy Kelley

Gaithersburg, MD

Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®

RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI

Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

This is a very informative post and one that i will keep in my head from now on!

Jan 18, 2015 11:13 PM

1

Roy Kelley

Gaithersburg, MD

Roy Kelley

Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thanks, again, for your comments. This is good information to share.

Jan 18, 2015 11:15 PM

Noah Seidenberg

Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL

Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

Very good tips on CO and Flu. It is so important to have properly working and modern detectors. The newer models are more sensitive.

Jan 18, 2015 11:34 PM

1

Roy Kelley

Gaithersburg, MD

Ron and Alexandra Seigel

Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA

Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Roy,

Thanks for this great list...hopefully this is something that is getting good coverage out in the world, and CO poisoning is not being mistaken for flu symptom.

We have CO detectors in our home. We often even during the winter have our doors and windows open here to let in the fresh air. A

Jan 18, 2015 11:46 PM

1

Roy Kelley

Gaithersburg, MD

Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®

Lewisburg, WV

Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate

Roy, this is great info to share and have re-blogged to help get the word out.

Jan 19, 2015 12:06 AM

1

Roy Kelley

Gaithersburg, MD

Juli Vosmik

Dominion Fine Properties - Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale/Cave Creek, AZ real estate 480-710-0739

Roy, I never knew the symptoms were so similar. I always assumed CO poisoning was quick and one would know it immediately. Thanks so much for the information.

Jan 19, 2015 03:09 AM

1

Roy Kelley

Gaithersburg, MD

Robert Bob Gilbert

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties - Katy, TX

Your Katy TX ( West of Houston) Real Estate Expert

Roy, CO alarms are a must have for any home. Thanks for posting this information as it ius usefull to everyone.

Jan 19, 2015 05:55 AM

1

Roy Kelley

Gaithersburg, MD

Scott Gleason, CRS

Coldwell Banker Realty - Westfield, NJ

Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist

Hi Roy - Carbon monoxide is a very serious problem. Thank you for posting these tips for knowing what to look out for as well as a reminder to install CO alarms to possibly saves lives.

Jan 19, 2015 06:43 AM

1

Roy Kelley

Gaithersburg, MD

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS

Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA

South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

That is truly dangerous! Every home I sell has to have a CO detector because of state law. I have a pocket of 9 volt batteries for the CO and smoke detectors for all my listings. I hate that dead battery chirp! Roy Kelley

Jan 19, 2015 07:52 AM

1

Roy Kelley

Gaithersburg, MD

Tom Braatz Waukesha County Real Estate 262-377-1459

Coldwell Banker - Oconomowoc, WI

Waukesha County Realtor Real Estate agent. SOLD!

Roy Kelley

Carbon Monoxide is really a silent killer. The comparison in symptoms is interesting

Jan 19, 2015 08:41 AM

1

Roy Kelley

Gaithersburg, MD

Debbie Laity

Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO

Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

CO alarms are an inexpensive way to keep your family safe.

Jan 19, 2015 09:36 AM

1

Roy Kelley

Gaithersburg, MD

Brian England

Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ

MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

This is great information, thank you so much for sharing. On every inspection, I hear the inspector mention the CO monitors and I know that the newer homes are all being equipped with them.

Jan 19, 2015 11:25 AM

1

Roy Kelley

Gaithersburg, MD

Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807

HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ

Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

Roy Kelley - What a great message to post about. It is critical to install Carbon Monoxide alarms in the home due to the fact that Carbon Monoxide cannot be detected by human senses like you said.

Jan 20, 2015 07:22 AM

Roy Kelley

Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

We have a sunny but cold day in Maryland. Have a great day and a most productive week.

Mar 16, 2017 07:13 AM

Roy Kelley

Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Make it a habit to post a daily reblog. It is an easy way to pay it forward.

Mar 05, 2020 12:48 PM

Roy Kelley

Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I am using this content for a new blog to be posted on March 7, 2020.

Mar 05, 2020 01:00 PM

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