What To Do If You’ve Eaten Raw or Undercooked Pork

Pork is a delicious and versatile meat enjoyed around the world However, eating raw or undercooked pork can expose you to harmful bacteria and parasites If you’ve consumed pork that wasn’t properly cooked, it’s understandable to be concerned. This comprehensive guide covers what to look for, when to see a doctor, how infections are diagnosed, and how to treat and recover from eating raw or undercooked pork.

Potential Risks of Eating Raw or Undercooked Pork

Pork can harbor microscopic worms called trichinella spiralis which can lead to a nasty infection called trichinosis. Other risks from eating raw or pink pork include tapeworms like taenia solium and bacteria like salmonella or E. coli.

When pork isn’t cooked to a high enough internal temperature, these pathogens can survive and infect the person eating the meat. The symptoms and severity vary based on the type of infection but can include:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Headache, fatigue, fever
• Muscle pains, facial swelling
• Neurological issues, seizures (in severe cases)

Certain groups are more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses, including young children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems. But even healthy adults can develop unpleasant symptoms and complications from undercooked pork.

Timeline of Symptoms

If you suspect you’ve eaten raw or undercooked pork, here’s what to expect symptom-wise and when

• 1-2 days after: Possible first mild symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• 5-7 days after: Additional gastrointestinal symptoms from trichinosis larvae reproducing
• 1-4 weeks after: Muscle pain, fever, swelling, rash, eye pain, headache from trichinella worms embedding in tissues
• 2-3 months after: Possible tapeworm-related symptoms like unexpected weight loss, abdominal pain, anal itching

Symptoms depend on the pathogen involved and can vary widely. Seek medical advice as soon as you notice anything unusual. Early treatment leads to better outcomes.

When to See a Doctor

Don’t wait! If you know or highly suspect you’ve eaten raw or undercooked pork, call your doctor right away. Explain the situation and request an appointment as soon as possible.

You should also seek medical care immediately if you develop any symptoms like:

• High fever over 101°F (38°C)
• Bloody diarrhea
• Intense abdominal pain
• Muscle pain or stiffness
• Sudden neurological symptoms like blurry vision or confusion
• Multiple symptoms that persist beyond 48 hours

Severe symptoms require prompt diagnosis and treatment to avoid complications. Inform your doctor if you fall into any high risk groups as well.

How Raw Pork Illnesses Are Diagnosed

To check for trichinosis, tapeworms or other infections, the doctor will ask about your exposure, symptoms, and medical history. Diagnostic tests may include:

• Blood tests – Check for elevated white blood cells and antibodies fighting infection. Can detect trichinosis.

• Stool sample – Microscopic examination to identify parasite eggs. Required for tapeworm diagnosis.

• Muscle biopsy – Sample of tissue taken from the bicep or calf to check for trichinella larvae.

• Spinal tap – Assesses spinal fluid for central nervous system infections.

• Endoscopy – A tiny camera on a flexible tube examines the upper digestive tract.

• Imaging tests – CT scans, MRIs or ultrasounds check for organ abnormalities.

Follow all instructions for collecting and preparing specimens for testing. Proper diagnosis is key to getting the right treatment.

How Raw Pork Infections Are Treated

Treatment varies based on the type of infection:

• Bacterial infections like salmonella and E. coli are treated by replenishing fluids, electrolytes, and allowing the illness to run its course. Antibiotics are only used in severe cases.

• Trichinosis is treated with prescription antiparasitic medications like albendazole or mebendazole. Steroids like prednisone help reduce inflammation.

• Tapeworms are treated with specific antiparasitic prescription medications based on the worm species. Dietary modifications may also be recommended.

• For severe infections, hospitalization for close monitoring, rehydration therapy, pain management, or surgery may be required.

Follow your doctor’s treatment instructions closely, even if you start feeling better. Stopping treatment early could allow lingering infection to persist. Call your doctor if symptoms worsen or medication side effects concern you.

Recovering from Eating Raw Pork

With proper treatment, most cases of foodborne illnesses resolve within a few weeks to months. Supporting your body’s healing process can help:

• Stay hydrated with water, broths and electrolyte drinks.

• Eat gentle, nutritious foods like rice, bananas, applesauce and dry toast.

• Avoid fatty, spicy or hard-to-digest foods until symptoms resolve.

• Consider probiotic supplements to restore healthy gut bacteria.

• Get plenty of rest and sleep to conserve your energy.

• Apply hot packs or take warm baths to ease muscle pains.

• Take over-the-counter medicine if your doctor approves to manage pain, nausea or diarrhea.

Stay in touch with your doctor throughout your illness. While raw pork infections can be unpleasant, most people make a full recovery with appropriate medical care.

Preventing Future Raw Pork Infections

Once you’re back in good health, keep these food safety tips in mind:

• Cook pork thoroughly to 145°F (63°C) – Use a food thermometer to verify. Let rest for 3 minutes before eating.

• Heat processed pork products like hot dogs to 165°F (74°C).

• Wash hands and surfaces often when preparing pork. Avoid cross-contamination.

• Shop wisely. Choose reputable grocery stores and double-check sell-by dates.

• Store pork properly. Keep refrigerated, wrapped, and separate from other foods.

• Marinate pork in the refrigerator. Don’t leave at room temperature.

• Avoid higher risk products like unpasteurized sausage or cased meats. Opt for quality assured pork from grocers.

• If in doubt, throw it out! Don’t taste questionable pork. Cook thoroughly or discard.

Following safe preparation, cooking, and storage methods reduces your chances of another illness. But mistakes happen, so seek prompt treatment if symptoms return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about what to do if you’ve eaten raw or undercooked pork:

How long after eating raw pork would I get sick?

Symptoms typically start within 1-2 days but may take over a week to develop depending on the pathogen involved.

Can raw pork make you sick immediately?

It’s unlikely to cause illness within the first few hours. Symptoms normally take over a day to appear.

What reduces your chances of getting sick from raw pork?

A strong immune system, proper food handling, and avoiding high risk products like uncooked sausage. But there’s always some risk when eating raw pork.

Is mild diarrhea normal after eating raw pork?

It can be, but diarrhea, especially if bloody or accompanied by fever, warrants medical evaluation. Don’t assume mild symptoms will stay mild.

Can you recover without treatment after eating raw pork?

In otherwise healthy adults, mild bacterial illnesses may resolve untreated after a miserable week. But medical care provides diagnostics and medicine that greatly speed recovery.

When to Seek Emergency Treatment

While raw pork infections are usually not life-threatening, they can very rarely progress to severe, even fatal complications.

Seek emergency medical help if you experience:

• High fever over 103°F (39°C)
• Blood in stool or vomit
• Fainting or dizziness
• Difficulty breathing
• Paralysis, loss of sensation
• Seizures

Let the ER staff know you may have a foodborne infection. With rapid, aggressive treatment, even serious complications and at-risk cases can be managed.

The Takeaway

Consuming raw or undercooked pork can introduce pathogenic bacteria, worms and other organisms into your body which lead to foodborne illness. Symptoms like nausea, fever or diarrhea may start within 1-2 days but can take longer to manifest.

See a doctor promptly if you know or highly suspect you’ve eaten raw pork, especially if experiencing concerning symptoms. Blood work, stool analysis and medical imaging help diagnose the infection. Antibiotics, antiparasitic medication, IV fluids and pain management facilitate recovery.

Most importantly, prevent reinfection by cooking pork properly, washing hands diligently, preventing cross-contamination, and only choosing quality assured products. While an unpleasant experience, infections from raw pork generally resolve with careful medical treatment and self-care.