Six signs of silent killer which is often mistaken for flu but leaves 4,000 in A&E

The effects can often feel like flu (Image: Getty)

People are being warned to be vigilant for signs of a potentially lethal condition that can often go unnoticed. According to government data, approximately 4,000 people seek treatment at A&E each year for carbon monoxide poisoning.

Around 200 of these cases are so severe that hospital admission is required. Tragically, the deadly effects of this silent killer claim around 50 lives in England annually.

Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and breathlessness can easily be mistaken for flu. Now experts are calling on the public to familiarise themselves with the warning signs to ensure they seek help before it's too late.

The Gas Safe Register warns that carbon monoxide "can be deadly or cause serious long-term health problems". It further cautions: "It is especially dangerous because you can't see, taste or smell CO, and some symptoms of CO poisoning are the same as flu, food poisoning, viral infections, fatigue, or a hangover which makes it easy to mistake this very dangerous poisoning for something else."

The organisation emphasises the importance of recognising these symptoms, stating: "Being aware of these symptoms could save your life.", reports Surrey Live.

Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic gas produced by the incomplete combustion of any carbon fuel such as natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The Gas Safe Register explains: "This can happen when a gas appliance has been incorrectly fitted, badly repaired, or poorly maintained. CO can also build up if flues, chimneys, or vents are blocked."

"Solid fuels, such as coal, wood, petrol, as well as oil, can also produce carbon monoxide when they burn. CO is known as the 'silent killer' because you cannot see, smell or taste it."

How does Carbon Monoxide poisoning happen?

When you breathe in carbon monoxide, it replaces the oxygen in your blood. CO poisoning happens when it accumulates in your bloodstream and the lack of oxygen results in the body's cells failing and dying.

Even small amounts of the gas can cause poisoning, which can result in paralysis, brain damage or even death.

Main symptoms

There are six key symptoms to watch for. They are:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Breathlessness
• Collapse
• Loss of consciousness

Other signs

There may be other signs that could indicate CO poisoning. These include:

• Symptoms you notice at home lessen when you leave.
• Others in your household experience similar symptoms at a similar time.
• Pets are displaying irritable behaviour. For example, odd behaviour such as aggression, anxiety or fear of noises or other animals/ children or vomiting

Alarms can alert people to problems (Image: Getty)

What to do if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning

It’s vital. You should:

• turn off the gas appliance (if it’s safe to do so)
• open doors and windows to let air in
• leave the property and go outside into fresh air.

Get medical advice as soon as possible.

• Contact the NHS 111 service if you suspect CO poisoning.
• If someone is experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, sudden confusion, or loss of consciousness, call 999 or go to A&E.

Contact the Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999 (GB) or the relevant service for your area.

You can also visit the NHS website for additional information on the symptoms of CO poisoning, what action to take and the treatment that’s usually provided.

What are the signs of a carbon monoxide (CO) leak?

Any of the following could be a sign of a carbon monoxide leak:

• Floppy yellow or orange flame on your gas hob or oven, rather than a crisp blue flame.
• Dark, sooty staining on or around gas appliances.
• Pilot lights that frequently blow out.
• Increased condensation inside windows.

This Morning: Dr Chris on signs of carbon monoxide poisoning

How can I stop carbon monoxide poisoning in my home?

The most important thing you can do to minimise the risk of CO poisoning is to ensure that your gas appliances are safety checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Installing an accredited audible carbon monoxide alarm in your home is a good second line of defence, as they emit a sound when CO is detected. However, because a CO detector’s alarm only activates once there is CO present, you should never rely on them as your sole form of prevention.

Find a Gas Safe registered engineer

To find engineers in your area Check The Register page on this site. If you require an engineer qualified to investigate the presence of CO, you can refine your search by following these steps:

• Enter your postcode.
• Under the ‘Select appliance type’ tab choose ‘Fumes Investigation’.
• Click ‘Find’ to see the updated results.

Remember, scheduling regular safety checks and servicing for your gas appliances by a qualified gas engineer keeps you and your family gas safe.