Eating undercooked or spoiled chicken can definitely make you sick, and symptoms often come on quite quickly. Here’s what you need to know about getting sick from bad chicken.
How soon after eating bad chicken do symptoms start?
If you consume chicken contaminated with salmonella or other bacteria, you may start experiencing symptoms within 6 to 48 hours. However, it can sometimes take up to 3 days for the first signs of illness to appear.
Some of the most common early symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
As salmonella and other foodborne illnesses disrupt your digestive system, these gastrointestinal symptoms tend to show up first. Vomiting and diarrhea in particular can start rather abruptly.
What are other symptoms of food poisoning from chicken?
In addition to nausea and diarrhea, other possible symptoms of food poisoning from contaminated chicken include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
These flu-like symptoms may begin shortly after the gastrointestinal issues or can take up to a week to develop in some cases. Salmonella infection can even lead to dehydration or infections in other parts of the body if severe.
How long does illness last?
For most healthy people, a bout of food poisoning will run its course without the need for major medical treatment. Symptoms typically last about 4 to 7 days. However, it’s important to stay hydrated and contact your doctor if symptoms don’t improve or get worse.
In more vulnerable groups, such as young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, salmonella can represent a more serious threat. It’s a good idea to call your doctor promptly at the first major signs of illness.
When should you see a doctor?
See your doctor right away if you experience:
- Blood in vomit or stools
- Fever over 102°F (39°C)
- Signs of dehydration, like excessive thirst, dry mouth, little urination
- Diarrhea lasting over 3 days
- Inability to keep down any fluids
Prompt medical treatment is crucial for vulnerable groups and severe cases of foodborne illness. Seek emergency care for alarming symptoms like bloody stools, high fever that won’t come down, confusion, or fainting.
How to avoid getting sick from eating chicken
You can take steps to lower your risk of illness when cooking and consuming poultry products:
- Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Wash hands and surfaces after handling raw chicken.
- Avoid cross-contamination of other foods.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
- Check expiration dates and signs of spoilage.
Following food safety guidelines carefully prevents many cases of food poisoning. If in doubt, remember the saying: “When in doubt, throw it out.”
Can you get sick immediately from bad chicken?
Yes, symptoms of foodborne illness from contaminated chicken can begin in as little as a few hours after consumption. Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, and other bacteria or viruses can rapidly disrupt digestion, often leading to abrupt onset of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
While less common, some people may start feeling ill within 30 minutes to an hour of eating spoiled or undercooked chicken. Always be alert to sudden gastrointestinal symptoms after eating poultry and seek medical care if they are severe.
Conclusion
Bad chicken contaminated with salmonella, Campylobacter, or other pathogens definitely has the potential to make you sick quite quickly. Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps can begin abruptly, often within 6 to 48 hours after exposure. While most people recover after a few unpleasant days, severe cases can lead to dehydration or systemic illness. Practice safe handling and cooking of all poultry products to lower your risk of food poisoning.