Overview
Carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in the blood. Early signs feel like the flu.
Symptoms often improve when you leave the house.
Symptoms
Common signs:
- Headache, dizziness, nausea at home
Less common
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Vomiting
Look up a symptom: Dizziness · Fatigue · Headache · Nausea · New confusion or not acting like themselves
When to get medical care
Call 911Possible carbon monoxide exposure: get to fresh air and call 911.
Get care todayNew or worse symptoms, or symptoms with fever.
See a doctor soonSymptoms that last or keep coming back.
Causes
Faulty appliances, generators indoors.
Who is more likely to get it
- Winter
Diagnosis
Blood test.
Treatment
Get to fresh air.
Self-care
- Put CO detectors on every level of your home
- Have furnaces checked yearly
Prevention
To prevent:
- CO detectors
- Never run generators indoors
Which doctor treats this
- Emergency doctors treat it first, in the ER.
- Poison Control can help right away, any time: call 1-800-222-1222.
Back to school, work, or sports
- Recovery time varies. Ask your care team when you can drive, lift, work, and exercise.
Children, pregnancy, and older adults
- Babies, older adults, pregnant people: Higher risk.
For caregivers
- Go to visits when you can and take notes.
- Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
- Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
- Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.
Outlook
Fast treatment helps.
Getting ready for your visit
Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.
What to bring
- A list of your medicines and supplements
- Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse
Questions to ask
- What's causing my symptoms?
- What treatment do you recommend?
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Carbon monoxide poisoning
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.