January 30, 2026
Record numbers of carbon monoxide poisoning have been reported to the Tennessee Poison Center (TPC) as a result of the ice storm and resultant power outages meaning loss of heat for many. From Thursday night until this writing (1/30/2026), there have been 112 cases including adults and children reported to the TPC. Here are four simple questions and answers that you can share with your patients, families, or anyone about staying safe.
What is Carbon Monoxide (CO): CO is a clear, colorless, odorless gas that results from combustion of fuel. It binds to hemoglobin more tightly than oxygen, preventing oxygen from getting into tissues and causes asphyxiation (strangulation) on the cellular level.
What are the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning? Symptoms mimic the flu/stomach flu - headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and overall not feeling well. Severe cases can result in confusion, syncope, chest pain, shortness of breath, and coma. Death can also occur. Fever is NOT a symptom of CO poisoning. Therefore, a flu-like illness without documented fever should raise suspicion for an alternative diagnosis like CO poisoning.
What can I do to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning? No fuel heaters (charcoal/propane), firepits, grills, generators indoors (including basement and garage. In addition, no cars running inside garages even with the doors open, no fire pits inside. Everyone needs a carbon monoxide detector in their home.
What is the treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning? Fresh air outside of the building immediately if someone suspects poisoning. Call 911 if a person is not responsive, confused, has a seizure, is not breathing well or stopped breathing, or has chest pain. Otherwise, recommended to call the Tennessee Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.
The mainstay of treatment in the hospital is oxygen for varying number of hours depending on the severity of the poisoning. Hyperbaric oxygen can be used in select cases when access to a hyperbaric chamber is not delayed.
Note: CO poisoning is a reportable illness to the Tennessee Department of Health.
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/2026notcom/2026HealthcareProvi…
Rebecca Bruccoleri, MD and Saralyn Williams, MD