Is Brief Exposure To Carbon Monoxide A Cause For Concern?

Posted on Tue, 6 Dec 2016

Question: On Wednesday night, (38 hours ago), I was exposed to carbon monoxide for 1 to 2 seconds. (Car in closed garage with the motor started, but turned off in about 1 second.) Yesterday morning i went to an Urgent Care center for consultation regarding the exposure. The doctor examined me (took vitals and listened to my back) and said "You're vitals are excellent and I do not hear anything abnormal". And your exposure was so brief I doubt there is anything wrong. If you develop any symptoms, come back and see us". Earlier that morning I received my flu shot. Last night shortly after lying down to go to sleep I experienced vertigo (about 15 hours after getting the shot). This morning I am experiencing a very slight case of vertigo. I know dizziness is a symptom of CO poisoning, but could the dizziness be due to the shot. I have seen on the internet that there have been reports of vertigo hours after the shot. Is it likely that the vertigo is flu shot related?

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (30 hours later)

Brief Answer:
There is no cause for worry.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. This is not CO poisoning. Your exposure was very brief.

2. the vertigo may be due to the influenza vaccination, but this should subside soon.

3. Anxiety also will lead to dizziness. Sometimes this can be BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), which is very common.

4. Let me know if this persists.

I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar