When to worry about chills with a urinary tract infection

Chills are an episode of feeling cold or shivering, sometimes while your body temperature is rising. With a urinary tract infection, they may occur as the immune system responds to infection. Chills can appear with burning urination, urgency, frequent urination, lower abdominal discomfort, or cloudy urine.

Chills with pain in the side or back, nausea, or fever can suggest that infection is affecting the upper urinary tract. The symptom alone does not identify the cause, so other illnesses and non-infectious problems remain possible.

Rest, drink fluids if you can keep them down, and record when the chills happen and whether you develop a measured fever. Arrange a clinical assessment promptly if you have a known or suspected urinary tract infection with chills. A clinician may need a urine sample and may prescribe treatment based on your symptoms and examination.

Take prescribed medicine exactly as directed. Do not use leftover antibiotics or stop a prescribed course early without medical advice. If vomiting prevents you from drinking or taking medicine, contact an urgent service.

Seek urgent medical help for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, trouble breathing, persistent vomiting, severe side or back pain, or feeling suddenly very unwell. Prompt assessment is also needed during pregnancy, in children, in older adults, or if you have a weakened immune system.

Ask whether you need a urine test, whether the infection could involve the kidneys, how to manage fever or discomfort safely, and when you should expect improvement. Tell the clinician about allergies, pregnancy, kidney problems, and medicines you take.