 [ Symptoms ] i read that pregnant women are at greater risk for food borne illness what can i do to protect myself and my baby [ Disease ] everyone is at risk but those at greater risk are infants young children pregnant women and their unborn babies older adults and people with weakened immune systems for example those with hivaids cancer diabetes kidney disease and transplant patients some people may become ill after ingesting only a few harmful bacteria others may remain symptom free after ingesting thousands to prevent food borne illness keep these key actions in mind wash your hands keep raw meats and ready to eat foods    like salads    separated during preparation cook foods to the proper temperature by using a food thermometer refrigerate foods promptly and reheat leftovers to 165 degrees fahrenheit