This is probably the most well known type of food poisoning. Many of us have either experienced this first hand or know someone who has suffered from this nasty illness. Show Yet chicken is one of the most popular foods around. There can’t be many people who do not enjoy roast chicken on a Sunday, chicken sandwiches or barbecued chicken. This includes children as well as adults who both enjoy the taste and versatility of chicken. But the fact still remains that chicken is one of the worst offenders when it comes to food poisoning. Poultry and food poisoningThe term ‘poultry’includes turkey, duck and goose as well as chicken but it is usually chicken which accounts for the majority of cases of food poisoning. Food poisoning occurs because poultry such as chicken or turkey has not been allowed to defrost thoroughly before use or cooked for the correct length of time. Another factor is allowing raw poultry to come into contact with other foods. Causes of chicken food poisoningChicken food poisoning is caused by two types of bacteria: Both of these bacteria are found in red meat, unpasteurised milk, poultry, e.g. chicken and eggs. Campylobacter and salmonella bacteria live in the intestines of poultry and other livestock found on farms. These bacteria can be transmitted via their faeces into the human food chain. They can also pass into humans after the bird or animal has been slaughtered. Campylobacter and salmonella are discussed in greater detail in our bacterial food poisoning section. How does chicken food poisoning occur?This occurs as a result of poor food preparation and/or hygiene. For example:
Another cause is washing chicken before cooking. Many people do this in the belief that it will remove germs and bacteria but what this does do is to spread these around worktops and the rest of the kitchen. This increases the risk of food poisoning. Symptoms of chicken food poisoningThe period of time from when the contaminated food is eaten to when the symptoms appear is called the ‘incubation period’. In most cases of food poisoning the symptoms appear between 24 and 48 hours. These include:
If you have a medical condition, a weakened immune system (e.g. as a result of cancer treatment) or a job which requires you to handle raw poultry then you are at increased risk of this type of food poisoning. How long does chicken food poisoning last?This very much depends upon the severity of your symptoms. The more serious your bout of food poisoning the longer it will last. Most cases of food poisoning clear after a few days but serious cases will require medical treatment. Severe cases of food poisoning are usually treated in hospital. Treatment for chicken food poisoningMild cases can be treated at home. This means plenty of fluids and bed rest. There are special re-hydration sachets you can take which replace any electrolytes and other important fluids lost through vomiting and/or diarrhoea. These re-hydration sachets are available from a pharmacist. If your symptoms worsen or persist then see your GP. He or she may prescribe antibiotics as this type of food poisoning is usually caused by a bacterial infection. Your GP will recommend admittance to hospital if you are dehydrated, have developed complications such as seizures or are vomiting/passing blood. Preventing chicken food poisoningThis type of food poisoning can be prevented by following a few simple procedures which include:
The main issue here is one of food safety: practise good hygiene when handling, preparing and cooking food and follow any instructions given. Medically Reviewed by Christine Mikstas, RD, LD on April 19, 2021 When you have food poisoning, the first thing you want is relief. Your symptoms depend on what caused you to get sick, but you usually have diarrhea, throwing up, and an upset stomach at the least. It’s no fun, but it’s how your body tries to kick out the toxins and get you better. You usually get it from eating food or drinking water that is contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins created from these. While some cases last longer, it’s usually gone within a few days. There’s not a whole lot you can do except stay near a bathroom and ride it out. But you can take some steps to support yourself as you recover. Your treatment partly depends on what gave you food poisoning and how sick you are. Some of the causes, from most to least common in the United States, are: Norovirus: You can get this virus from raw fruits and vegetables. You can also get this from shellfish, such as lobster and clams, that come from tainted water. Food handlers who have norovirus can also spread it as they prepare meals for customers. Salmonella.You can become infected with this bacteria by eating contaminated food such as beef, poultry eggs, vegetables or fruits, drinking contaminated water, or touching infecting animals and not washing your hands afterwards. Clostridium perfringens. Usually a problem on foods left unrefrigerated for too long, this is common in meats, stews, and gravies. Campylobacter. You get can this from raw or undercooked meat, especially chicken, as well as unpasteurized milk and tainted water. Shigella. Often spread when someone uses tainted water to clean food, it can be found on seafood and raw, ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables. E. coli. You often get this one from eating undercooked beef, especially ground beef, as well as drinking unpasteurized milk and cider. E. coli bacteria can also be contracted through contact with the feces of an infected person and by touching animals and failing to wash your hands afterwards. Giardia intestinalis. This is a parasite found in stream water or food contaminated by stool. Listeria. Less common than others on this list, you can get it from packaged foods such as hot dogs and lunch meats, soft cheeses such as brie, and raw fruits and vegetables. Pregnant women need to be extra careful about listeria since it can cause miscarriage. In most cases, there isn’t much your doctor can specifically do for you, and you get better on your own within a few days. Adults or children who lose a lot of fluids -- this is called dehydration -- may need to go the hospital to get an IV. This will replace your fluids and electrolytes more quickly. For severe food poisoning caused by certain bacteria, such as listeria, you may get antibiotics. But with most bacteria, you may not get any medication unless you have a weak immune system or you’re pregnant. You may also get medicine for food poisoning caused by parasites. For viruses, there’s nothing you can take. Diarrhea and vomiting can really throw off your body’s balance of fluids and electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals, such as sodium and potassium, that help with everything from keeping your heartbeat normal to controlling how much water is in your body. So your main job is to drink plenty of fluids. Start with ice chips or small sips if you need to. It’s also helpful to:
Tempting as it may be, you typically want to avoid over-the-counter medicine to stop your diarrhea. That’s because the diarrhea is helping to get rid of whatever is making you sick. If you think you need it, check with your doctor first. And don’t give it to children -- the side effects for them could be serious. Though food poisoning usually goes away on its own, call your doctor if you have any signs of dehydration:
Also call your doctor if you see any of these symptoms:
Food poisoning is more dangerous for some people than others. It’s best to call a doctor for:
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