Don't take chances with carbon monoxide

The symptoms include headache, dizziness and nausea, but having a flu shot may not help avoid them.

That's because those traits might mean you are, instead, suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Other traits include sleepiness, blurred vision, shortness of breath and even convulsions.

Heading into the cold season, it's important that we do what we can to avoid being killed or injured by using heating equipment that is in poor repair, unvented space heaters, vehicles with faulty exhaust or using a charcoal grill indoors.

Unfortunately, carbon monoxide poisoning kills nearly 500 people nationwide and sickens thousands more. Nebraska, in fact, has one of the highest carbon monoxide fatality rates in the United States -- and so far this year, has received 228 calls concerning carbon monoxide.

The first step, if you do notice any of the symptoms above, is get the victim to fresh air; then seek medical attention immediately.

Usually, there's little danger of carbon monoxide poisoning when fresh air is available and fuel is burning properly. However, operating an internal combustion engine or a poorly adjusted fuel-burning appliance in a closed area without fresh air can be fatal.

The Nebraska Regional Poison Center offers the following suggestions:

* Have heating systems, water heaters and any other gas, oil or coal-burning appliance serviced by a qualified technician every year.

* Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your house and near sleeping areas.

* Don't assume your carbon monoxide detector still works; some have a lifespan of only a few years.

* Vent fuel-burning heaters to the outside.

* Do not use a gas range or oven to heat a room.

* Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the door open.

* Have the muffler and tailpipes on your vehicles checked regularly.

For more information, contact the Nebraska Regional Poison Center toll free at (800) 222-1222 in Nebraska and Wyoming.