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Regions Hospital, Saint Paul Fire Dept. say consumers should be aware of the difference between flu, carbon monoxide poisoning
Dec. 21, 2009
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Leaders for emergency services for Regions Hospital and St. Paul Fire say that with the colder weather, knowing the difference between symptoms for the flu versus carbon monoxide poisoning can mean the difference between life and death.
"Because carbon monoxide is colorless, tasteless and odorless, the symptoms of poisoning can mimic the flu," said RJ Frascone, MD, medical director for Regions Hospital emergency medical services. Between 2002 and 2006, 92 Minnesotans died of carbon monoxide poisoning according to the Minnesota Department of Health Symptoms of CO poisoning that can look like the flu include headaches, nausea and fatigue.
"Even in warmer weather, we get about a call a day from people concerned about carbon monoxide poisoning," said Tim Butler, fire chief for Saint Paul Fire Dept.
Signs that you may have carbon monoxide poisoning and not the flu include:
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Several people in the home have nausea/vomiting, headaches, blurred vision, disorientation, shortness of breath and/or drowsiness
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Pets appear ill
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Symptoms disappear when you breathe fresh air
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You don't have a fever, aching or swollen lymph nodes
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Symptoms appear at the same time as maintenance, or operation of furnaces, gas stoves and dryers, wood stoves, space heaters, or other fuel-burning devices.
Saint Paul Fire Marshal Steve Zaccard also points out, "A person can be poisoned by a large amount of CO, or a low amount of CO over a longer period of time. So, the newer carbon monoxide detectors can detect both high levels of carbon monoxide over a short period or low levels over a longer period." Tips to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning include:
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Do not warm up your car in the garage.
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Do not use your gas stove or oven for heating.
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Have your furnace or boiler inspected each year.
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Only use gas or charcoal grilles outside.
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Do not use kerosene space heaters in the home. Use electric space heaters that are in good condition.
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Test carbon monoxide detectors at least once a month, like your smoke detectors. Replace them according to your manufacturer's instructions, usually every 6 - 8 years.
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, Minnesota state law requires that homes and apartments have a CO alarm within 10 feet of each bedroom.
About Regions Hospital
Regions Hospital is a Level I Trauma Center and teaching hospital serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin for more than 130 years. Regions is a private, non-profit hospital providing outstanding care in women's health, heart, cancer, surgery, orthopaedics, neurosciences, burn, emergency care and more. Regions is part of the HealthPartners family of care. Additional information is available at www.regionshospital.com.
Contact: 952-883-5305
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