When to worry about fever with a urinary tract infection

A urinary tract infection may affect the bladder or travel higher into the urinary system. Fever with chills, pain in the back or side, nausea, or vomiting can indicate more extensive infection and deserves medical review. Burning urine, urgency, and lower abdominal discomfort can occur with bladder infection, but symptoms overlap with other conditions and need the right assessment.

Arrange medical advice when fever accompanies urinary symptoms, particularly if you feel shivery or have back pain. Drink fluids unless a clinician has told you to restrict them, rest, and use suitable pain or fever medicine according to its directions. If antibiotics are prescribed, take them exactly as directed and finish the prescribed course unless the prescriber changes it. Do not use someone else’s antibiotics.

Seek prompt care if fever continues, returns after treatment begins, or is joined by flank pain, repeated vomiting, worsening weakness, or reduced urine. Get emergency help for confusion, fainting, severe breathlessness, inability to keep fluids down, or signs of serious dehydration. Pregnancy, childhood, older age, kidney disease, or a weakened immune system warrants early contact with a clinician.

Ask whether a urine test or culture is needed, whether the infection may involve the kidneys, which medicine is safe for you, and when to call if fever does not improve.