Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect your urinary tract, including your bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis) or kidneys (kidney infection). UTIs may be treated with antibiotics, but they’re not always needed.
Now that summertime is upon us and temperatures are rising, alongside your trusty sunscreen, sunglasses and hats one more crucial item to your summer routine: a strategy to prevent UTIs.
Surprising as it may seem, UTIs are more prevalent during the summer months than at other times of the year, thanks to warm temperatures that allow bacteria to grow.
A few proactive measures can safeguard your urinary tract and significantly reduce the risk of a summertime UTI.
To lower your risk of developing a UTI this summer and throughout the rest of the year:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating fruit and vegetables with high water content such as cucumber, watermelon and strawberries.
- Shower regularly to make sure the genital area is kept clean and dry.
- Wipe from front to back after going to the toilet.
- Don’t “hold it in” – Go to the bathroom when you need to go and ensure you empty your bladder completely.
Symptom Checker (patient.info)
What is a UTI and how you get them? (patient.info)
Dehydration – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
What to do if you suspect you have a UTI
If you think you might have a UTI, ensure you are drinking enough fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated.
Contact your GP if:
- you have symptoms of a UTI for the first time
- your child has symptoms of a UTI
- you’re a man with symptoms of a UTI
- you’re pregnant and have symptoms of a UTI
- you’re caring for an older, frail person who may have symptoms of a UTI
- you have symptoms of a UTI after surgery
- your symptoms get worse or do not improve within 2 days
- your symptoms come back after treatment.
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
You think you, your child or someone you care for may have a UTI and:
- have a very high temperature, or feel hot and shivery
- have a very low temperature below 36°C
- are confused or drowsy
- have pain in the lower tummy or in the back, just under the ribs
- can see blood in your pee
These symptoms could mean you have a kidney infection, which can be serious if it’s not treated as it could cause sepsis.
If you cannot speak to or see a GP, or your symptoms are getting worse, call 111 or get help from 111 online.
