10 Symptoms Of Eating Undercooked Chicken & Tips

In this blog post, we’ll be discussing the symptoms of eating undercooked chicken and what you can do to avoid them.

We all love a good chicken dish, but did you know that undercooked chicken can cause some serious health issues?

That’s right, eating chicken that hasn’t been cooked properly can lead to some unpleasant symptoms.

Symptoms Of Eating Undercooked Chicken

The following are some symptoms of eating undercooked chicken:

1. Nausea

A sense of nausea or unease in the stomach frequently comes before vomiting, which can be a symptom of eating undercooked chicken.

That is a typical sign of chicken that hasn’t been cooked through food poisoning.

Try drinking clear liquids like water or ginger tea to stay hydrated if you are feeling queasy.

Avoid eating solid foods until your nausea goes away. You might try consuming ginger tea or nibbling on a piece of ginger candy as ginger may help reduce nausea.

2. Vomiting

The uncontrollable passing of the stomach’s contents into the mouth is known as vomiting.

It is a typical sign of food illness brought on by eating undercooked chicken, and it frequently comes with nausea.

It’s crucial to stay hydrated when you’re throwing up by sipping on clear liquids like water, electrolyte drinks, or broth.

To assist settle your stomach, you might also think about taking an over-the-counter drug like bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol).

3. Diarrhea

Passing loose or watery stools more frequently than normal is referred to as diarrhea, which can be a symptom of eating undercooked chicken.

That is a typical sign of chicken that hasn’t been cooked through food poisoning.

It’s crucial to stay hydrated while you have diarrhea by consuming clear liquids like water, broth, or electrolyte drinks.

Keep away from solid foods until diarrhea stops. Loperamide (Imodium), an over-the-counter drug, may also help treat diarrhea.

4. Stomach cramps

Sharp or mild abdominal aches known as stomach cramps are frequently accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

These are typical signs of food poisoning brought on by swallowing undercooked chicken.

Try heating your belly with a heating pad or taking a warm bath if you are having stomach pains.

Ibuprofen or acetaminophen, two over-the-counter painkillers, may also help with stomach cramps.

5. Bloody stools

Stools that include blood might be brilliant crimson or black and tarry in appearance.

Although they are a less typical sign of food poisoning brought on by eating undercooked chicken, they can be a sign of a more serious infection.

It’s crucial to get medical help right away if you have bloody stools.

Bloody stools may indicate a serious infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics or other medications.

6. Dehydration

As the body loses more fluid than it takes in, dehydration develops, which can cause symptoms including thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, and weariness.

It is a frequent side effect of food poisoning brought on by eating undercooked chicken, especially if vomiting and diarrhea are also present.

It is crucial to stay hydrated if you are dehydrated by consuming clear liquids like water, electrolyte drinks, or broth.

Avoid alcohol and coffee since they can cause dehydration. In a hospital or other medical facility, you could need to get fluids intravenously if you’re seriously dehydrated.

7. Muscle aches

A common sign of food illness brought on by consuming undercooked chicken is muscle aches.

These can range in severity from mild to severe, and additional symptoms like fever and exhaustion might also be present.

If you have muscle aches, try taking a warm bath or using a heating pad to deliver heat to the affected area.

Using acetaminophen or ibuprofen, two over-the-counter painkillers, may also assist with muscle aches.

8. Fatigue

A state of being fatigued is characterized by a sense of weakness, lack of energy, and trouble concentrating.

That is a typical sign of chicken that hasn’t been cooked through food poisoning.

It’s crucial to get as much rest as you can when you’re feeling worn out and to stay hydrated by consuming clear liquids like water or electrolyte beverages.

Avoid alcohol and coffee since they can cause dehydration.

9. Headache

A headache is a pain or discomfort that can range in intensity from mild to severe in the head or neck area.

That is a typical sign of chicken that hasn’t been cooked through food poisoning.

Try taking a nap in a silent, dark room while using a cold compress on your forehead if you have a headache.

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are two over-the-counter medications that can help with headache relief.

10. Fever

The temporary elevation in body temperature known as a fever is frequently accompanied by chills, sweating, and exhaustion.

That is a typical sign of chicken that hasn’t been cooked through food poisoning.

It’s crucial to stay hydrated and get as much rest as you can if you have a fever.

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen, both available over the counter, can help reduce a temperature.

How to know if a chicken is undercooked

There are several ways to tell if a chicken is undercooked:

1. Use a thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken. If it is below 165 °F, then the chicken is undercooked.
2. Check the color of the chicken. Uncooked chicken should be pink, while the cooked chicken is white or tan with no trace of pink remaining.
3. Check the texture of the chicken. An undercooked chicken will be more dense, rubbery, or slippery than cooked chicken.
4. Press the chicken with a fork or your finger. An undercooked chicken will feel soft and squishy, while cooked chicken will feel firmer to the touch.

How to prevent the risk of eating undercooked chicken

To prevent the risk of eating undercooked chicken, it is important to cook it to a safe internal temperature of 165 °F.

You can use a food thermometer to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked.

It is also important to keep raw chicken and its juices away from ready-to-eat foods.

If you accidentally eat undercooked chicken, do not repurpose it unless you intend to recook it immediately.

How to manage illness from eating undercooked chicken

If you have eaten undercooked chicken and are experiencing symptoms of food poisoning, such as stomach pains, nausea, or diarrhea, it is important to get plenty of rest, sip fluids regularly, and seek medical help if necessary.

To prevent food poisoning from chicken, the CDC recommends using a food thermometer to ensure that chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165 °F and keeping raw chicken and its juices away from ready-to-eat foods.

If you accidentally ate undercooked chicken, it is possible to get sick from it, and it is important to take the necessary precautions to avoid food poisoning.

Learn more about how long you can get sick from eating raw chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of food poisoning from eating undercooked chicken?

The most common symptoms of food poisoning from eating undercooked chicken are nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.

How soon after eating undercooked chicken do symptoms appear?

Symptoms of food poisoning from eating undercooked chicken can appear within 6 to 48 hours after eating contaminated food.

Can you get food poisoning from eating slightly undercooked chicken?

Yes, eating slightly undercooked chicken can still cause food poisoning if the chicken is contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter.

What should I do if I experience symptoms of food poisoning after eating undercooked chicken?

If you experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal cramps after eating undercooked chicken, seek medical attention immediately.

How long does it take to recover from food poisoning caused by undercooked chicken?

The recovery time from food poisoning caused by an undercooked chicken can vary depending on the severity of the illness, but most people recover within a few days.

Can I prevent food poisoning by eating undercooked chicken?

Yes, you can prevent food poisoning by cooking chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) and practicing good hygiene when handling and preparing raw chicken.

Conclusion

In conclusion, eating undercooked chicken can lead to a range of unpleasant symptoms that can put a damper on your day.

From nausea and vomiting to fever and diarrhea, the risks of consuming undercooked chicken are simply not worth it.

By taking the necessary precautions when cooking chicken, such as using a meat thermometer and ensuring that the internal temperature reaches 165 °F, you can avoid these symptoms and enjoy a delicious and safe meal.

So, next time you’re cooking chicken, remember to cook it thoroughly and enjoy it without any worries!

References

Chicken and Food Poisoning – CDC

What happens if you eat raw chicken? – Medical News Today