Food poisoning from undercooked chicken symptoms

Raw or undercooked chicken can carry germs that are destroyed by thorough cooking. Food poisoning from undercooked chicken commonly presents with diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Symptoms may begin after a delay, so feeling well immediately after the meal does not settle the question. A clinician may need details about cooking, cross-contamination, timing, and other people who ate the chicken.

Diarrhoea and vomiting can cause dehydration. Watch for intense thirst, a dry mouth, dark urine, reduced urination, dizziness, or unusual weakness.

Drink often in small amounts. [Oral Rehydration Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/oral-rehydration-therapy/) can help replace water and salts when losses are heavy. Eat as tolerated and rest. Wash hands with soap after using the bathroom and before touching food; clean utensils and surfaces that contacted raw chicken. Do not prepare food for other people while you have diarrhoea or vomiting.

Discard chicken that was not cooked or stored safely. If you cannot drink enough to replace losses, a clinic may use [IV Fluid Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/iv-fluid-therapy/).

Seek urgent care for bloody diarrhoea, blood in vomit, severe or increasing abdominal pain, fainting, confusion, inability to keep fluids down, or very little urine. Contact a clinician promptly for persistent fever, worsening illness, or symptoms in a baby, older adult, pregnant person, or someone with a serious underlying condition. Call emergency services for collapse or severe breathing difficulty.

Ask whether your symptoms fit [Food Poisoning](/conditions/food-poisoning/), whether stool testing is appropriate, how long to avoid preparing food, and which medicines are safe for your symptoms.