How common are chills in urinary tract infection?

Chills are episodes of feeling cold or shivery, sometimes with shaking, even when the room is warm. In a urinary infection they may occur alongside burning when passing urine, needing to pass urine often, lower abdominal discomfort, fever, or feeling generally unwell. They can develop when the body reacts to an infection, but chills also have causes unrelated to the urinary tract. The symptom alone cannot identify the cause.

If you have urinary symptoms, note when they began and whether you have fever, back or side pain, nausea, or vomiting. Drink fluids if you can keep them down, rest, and arrange a clinical assessment, especially if symptoms are new or worsening. A clinician may ask about your symptoms and test a urine sample to help decide whether treatment is needed. Do not use leftover antibiotics or share prescribed medicines.

Seek urgent medical care for chills with fever and pain in the back or side, repeated vomiting, confusion, fainting, severe weakness, or an inability to drink fluids. These features can occur when an infection needs prompt treatment. Contact a clinician promptly if urinary symptoms are accompanied by chills during pregnancy, or if you have a weakened immune system, kidney disease, or trouble emptying your bladder.

Ask whether your symptoms fit a urinary infection, whether a urine test is useful, and which warning signs should change how quickly you seek help. If treatment is prescribed, ask how to take it and what to do if fever, pain, or chills continue.