Prednisone and Foodborne Illness Risk from Undercooked Chicken

Prednisone can make it easier for you to get sick from undercooked chicken because it suppresses the immune system and reduces your body’s ability to fight infections. ^[1] This increased susceptibility applies broadly to many pathogens, including common foodborne bacteria such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria that may be present in poultry. ^[1]

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Why Prednisone Raises Infection Risk

• Immune suppression: Corticosteroids like prednisone lower resistance to new infections and can worsen existing infections, which makes foodborne pathogens more likely to cause illness. ^[1] This effect is well-recognized across viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. ^[2]
• Dose and duration matter: Higher doses and longer courses generally increase risk, although even short courses may lower defenses temporarily. ^[3]

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Undercooked Chicken: Which Germs Are the Concern?

• Salmonella and Campylobacter: These are the most common bacteria linked to undercooked poultry and can cause diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. People with weakened immunity are more likely to develop severe or prolonged illness. ^[4]
• Listeria monocytogenes: While typically associated with deli meats and soft cheeses, Listeria can also be linked to poultry and cross‑contamination in kitchens. Immunosuppressed individuals, including those on steroids, have a higher risk of serious listeria infection. ^[5] Eating undercooked chicken has been associated with increased listeriosis risk among immunosuppressed people. ^[6]

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Evidence Linking Steroids to Higher Foodborne Risk

• Steroid therapy increases infection susceptibility: Official drug safety information for corticosteroids notes increased risk of infection with diverse pathogens due to immune suppression. ^{[1] [2]}
• Immunocompromised status and foodborne pathogens: Reviews and clinical experience show immunocompromised people are at increased risk from foodborne pathogens such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Listeria. ^[4]
• Listeria and steroid exposure: Analyses of listeriosis cases have found higher rates of exposure to corticosteroids among affected patients, suggesting an association. ^[7] Case reports also describe listeriosis occurring after treatment regimens that included prednisone, highlighting vulnerability to this uncommon but serious infection. ^[8]
• Risk signal with undercooked chicken: Among immunosuppressed individuals, eating undercooked chicken has been linked with increased odds of listeriosis. ^[6]

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Practical Food Safety Steps While Taking Prednisone

• Cook poultry thoroughly: Make sure chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) measured with a food thermometer; there should be no pink meat and juices should run clear. This is a core recommendation for people with weakened immune systems. ^[9]
• Prevent cross‑contamination: Keep raw chicken separate from ready‑to‑eat foods; wash hands, cutting boards, utensils, and counters after contact with raw poultry. ^[9]
• Reheat high‑risk foods: If you eat foods that could carry Listeria (e.g., deli meats, leftovers), reheating until steaming hot can lower risk for severely immunosuppressed individuals. ^[10]
• Wash produce thoroughly: Rinse fruits and vegetables under running water and scrub firm produce. ^[9]
• Be mindful with travel and water: Avoid drinking untreated water, which can carry organisms like Cryptosporidium and Giardia, and take care with food hygiene when traveling. ^[10]
• Know when to seek care: If you develop fever, severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, weakness, or confusion after eating poultry or other foods, seek medical attention promptly, as immunosuppressed individuals can worsen faster. ^[1]

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Symptoms to Watch For

• Typical food poisoning signs: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and fever may occur within hours to days after eating contaminated food. People on prednisone may experience more severe or longer-lasting symptoms due to reduced immune response. ^[1]
• Serious listeria signs: Invasive listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, or loss of balance; it may present days to weeks after exposure, so delayed symptoms matter. ^[5]

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Balancing Treatment and Safety

Prednisone is commonly prescribed for inflammation and autoimmune conditions, and it can be important for your health, but it does increase infection risk in a dose‑dependent way. ^[3] Using the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary time may lower infection risk, and careful food safety practices further reduce the chance of getting sick from undercooked chicken or other foods. ^{[3] [9]}

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Quick Reference: Safe Food Practices on Prednisone

• Cook chicken to 165°F (74°C). ^[9]
• Keep raw and cooked foods separate; clean surfaces and hands after handling raw poultry. ^[9]
• Reheat high‑risk ready‑to‑eat foods until steaming if you are significantly immunosuppressed. ^[10]
• Check for food recalls and outbreaks and choose safer food options when immunity is reduced. ^[5]
• Seek prompt care for severe gastrointestinal or neurological symptoms after suspect meals. ^[1]

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Summary

Being on prednisone can increase your risk of getting sick from undercooked chicken because steroids suppress the immune system and make it harder to fight off foodborne pathogens like Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria. ^[1] Immunosuppressed people, including those on corticosteroids, have documented higher risks for these infections, and undercooked chicken has been linked with listeriosis in such groups. ^[6] Following strict kitchen hygiene and cooking chicken to at least 165°F (74°C) are practical steps to reduce risk while on prednisone. ^[9]