Show
SummaryRead the full fact sheet
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by: This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by: Related information
From other websitesContent disclaimerContent on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. A properly functioning immune system works to clear infection and other foreign agents from the body. If you have health problems or take medicines that weaken your body’s ability to fight germs and sickness, you are more likely to get a foodborne illness. This includes, for example, if you have:
If you have weakened immune systems, you are more likely to be sick for a longer time, to be hospitalized, or even die, should you get a foodborne illness. To avoid this, you must be especially careful when choosing, handling, preparing, and consuming food. Download the FDA’s guide to Food Safety for Older Adults and People with Cancer, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Organ Transplants, and Autoimmune Diseases. Download the USDA’s Food Safety: A Need-to-Know Guide for Those At-Risk. Choose Safer FoodLearn about safer food choices if you have a weakened immune system and might have a higher risk for foodborne illnesses, such as Listeria or Salmonella infections. If you have health problems or take medicines that weaken your immune systems, or prepare food for someone who does, you should always follow the four steps below to reduce foodborne illness:
People with CancerIf you have cancer, you are more likely to get a foodborne illness because of your weakened immune systems. Cancer and its treatments put you at higher risk for many types of infections. People with DiabetesDiabetes affects various organs and systems of the body, causing them not to function properly, and making infection more likely. The immune system may not immediately recognize harmful germs, which increases the risk of infection.
People with HIV or AIDSHIV and AIDS damage or destroy the immune system, making people more likely to contract many types of infections, including those that cause foodborne illness. Transplant RecipientsOrgan rejection by the immune system is a serious problem for transplant recipients. Transplant recipients take drugs to suppress the immune system to keep it from attacking, or rejecting, the transplanted organ or bone marrow. These medicines are necessary, but a side effect is that they make infections more likely, such as those caused by foodborne germs. People with Autoimmune DiseasesIf you have an autoimmune disease, you are more likely to get a foodborne illness because your immune systems can’t fight infection effectively. Common types of autoimmune diseases include multiple sclerosis (MS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and lupus (SLE). What is the least common foodborne illness?Less commonly, the culprits are hepatitis A, clostridium botulinum (botulism), scombrotoxin, and vibrios. Most of these microorganisms can't be seen, smelled or tasted, but can cause illness that ranges from mild, to severe, to life-threatening.
What groups of people are most susceptible to foodborne illness quizlet?People susceptible to foodborne illness due to the effects of age or health on their immune systems, including infants and preschool-age children, pregnant women, older people, people taking certain medications, and those with certain diseases or weakened immune systems.
|