The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS England (NHSE) are running a joint campaign to raise awareness of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) prevention, symptom recognition and treatment, including advice on how and when to seek help.
What is a UTI (urinary tract infection)?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect the urinary tract, including the bladder, urethra, or kidneys. Sometimes a urinary tract infection can develop into a severe infection that can cause a person to become very ill and they may then need to go to hospital.
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
A person with a UTI may have signs and symptoms including:-
- Needing to pee more frequently, suddenly, or more urgently than
- Pain or a burning sensation when
- Needing to pee at night more often than normal
- New pain in the lower
- New incontinence or wetting themselves that is worse than
- Kidney pain or pain in the lower
- Blood in their wee
- Changes in behaviour, such as acting agitated or confused (delirium). This could be a symptom of a UTI but could also be due to other causes, which need to be ruled out.
- General signs of infection, like a fever, a high temperature or feeling hot and shivery, with shaking (rigors) or a very low temperature, below 36°C.
- A person may experience fewer of these symptoms if they have a urinary tract infection
Preventing UTIs
- Drinking enough regular drinks, like water or squash will boost hydration and help your body stay healthy. The NHS Eatwell Guide recommends that people should aim to drink 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluid a day. Water, lower-fat milk and sugar- free drinks, including tea and coffee, all count.
- Regularly drinking may mean more trips to the toilet. If you are having difficulties getting to the toilet or worried about incontinence discuss this with your doctor or a nurse who will be able to help you. Don’t reduce the amount you drink.
- Not holding onto your pee, go to the toilet as soon as possible when you need to.
- Keeping up with personal wash, or shower daily where possible especially if you suffer from incontinence.
What to do if you display symptoms
- Contact a healthcare professional if you think you might have a This could be your GP, a nurse, the community pharmacist, a walk-in centre or the NHS 111 service.
Cllr Christine Bannon, Cabinet Member for Health, said “It’s important that we know the signs of a Urinary Tract Infection and seek help before the issue escalates. It is easily treatable. Ensure you keep well hydrated if you do have any of the symptoms, seek medical help.”