Urinary tract infections (UTI) are often painful infections of any part of your urinary system – your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.
UTIs are very common, especially in women and approximately half of all of women will have at least one UTI in their lifetime.
Typical symptoms of a urinary tract infection include:
- Pain or burning during or immediately after passing urine.
- Fever, tiredness or shakiness.
- An urge to urinate (go to the toilet) more often.
- Urine that looks cloudy or reddish.
- Pressure in your lower belly.
- Pain or ache in the central back may indicate that the infection has gone up to the kidneys.
HOW A UTI IS TREATED
See your doctor or pharmacist if you think you might have a UTI. In most cases, a 3 to 5 day course of antibiotics is needed to treat the infection.
Many pharmacists are now accredited to sell a specific antibiotic without a prescription to people with uncomplicated UTIs. Speak with your Life Pharmacist for more information.
If the pain and symptoms do not resolve within 48 hours of starting antibiotics, go back to your doctor or nurse. And if you experience any fever, pain in your back or shaking, see your doctor immediately.
