Know the Difference Between Covid 19 Symptoms and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

There are some similarities between the COVID 19 symptoms and those of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is important to be able to distinguish the two as CO poisoning is far more lethal than the Covid-19 infection.

Know the Difference Between Covid 19 Symptoms and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when you breathe in carbon monoxide and it replaces the oxygen in your blood stream, causing your body tissue and cells to die. Even small amounts of CO gas can poison you, and long term exposure can lead to paralysis and brain damage.

CO poisoning symptoms are very similar to those of flu and other viral infections (including coronavirus), so it is easy to mistake this very dangerous poisoning for another illness.

The six symptoms to look out for are:

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

Coronavirus Covid 19 Symptoms

The COVID-19 virus affects people in different ways.  It is a respiratory disease, with most infected people developing mild to moderate symptoms. Most people will recover without special treatment.  People with certain medical conditions and people over 60 years of age have a higher risk of getting a severe form of the disease which can lead to death.

Common symptoms of Covid-19 include:

• Fever
• Tiredness
• Dry cough.

Other symptoms are:

• Aches and pains
• Breathlessness
• Sore throat

Very few people also report diarrhoea, a runny nose or nausea.

What to Do when You Suspect Coronavirus

People with mild symptoms should self-isolate and seek advice from the NHS website.

People with difficulty breathing or severe symptoms should call 111 for advice.

What to Do when you Suspect CO Poisoning

Get fresh air: open doors and windows, turn off any gas appliances and go outside.

Call 111 immediately to see if you need to go to hospital, 999 if anyone has lost consciousness or is having difficulty breathing.

Call the Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999.

L&W Heating and Plumbing – Here For You

During the COVID19 pandemic, we’re following all the suggested guidelines from the UK government, NHS and Public Health England whilst maintaining safe working practices at all times. For more info call our team on a regional number:-

Wigan Central Heating Engineers 01942 417220
Warrington Central Heating Engineers 01925 394260
Newton Le Willows Central Heating Engineers 01925 394260
St Helens Central Heating Engineers 01744 776140
Widnes Central Heating Engineers 01925 394260
Runcorn Central Heating Engineers 01925 394260