UTI, fever and chills: what to know

A lower urinary tract infection more often causes burning, urgency, frequent urination or pressure low in the abdomen. Fever, shaking chills, pain in the side or back, nausea or vomiting can indicate a kidney infection, which can worsen without treatment. Chills can also occur with illnesses such as influenza, malaria, dengue fever or pneumonia, so urinary symptoms alone do not establish the cause. A clinician may assess your temperature, pulse, hydration and urine, and may decide whether blood tests or imaging are needed.

Arrange same-day medical advice when fever or chills occur with suspected UTI symptoms. Drink fluids if you can keep them down, rest, and record when symptoms began and any medicines taken. Do not use leftover antibiotics or share antibiotics; the correct treatment depends on the suspected site and cause of infection. A clinician may request a urine sample before treatment. Follow the prescribed course exactly and seek advice if symptoms do not start settling.

Seek emergency help for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, difficulty breathing, very fast breathing, inability to keep fluids down, severe side or back pain, or rapidly worsening symptoms. These features can occur with sepsis or a kidney infection and should not be watched at home. Pregnant people, children, older adults, and anyone with kidney disease or reduced immunity should seek medical advice promptly for fever with urinary symptoms.

Ask whether a urine culture is needed, whether the symptoms suggest kidney involvement, which warning signs require emergency care, and when improvement should be expected after treatment.