A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection that occurs in the urinary tract (any part of the body used to make and get rid of urine).
Symptoms of a UTI in babies and infants include:
- vomiting
- high temperature of or above 38°C (100.4°F)
- irritability
- appearing lazy and sluggish (lethargic)
Symptoms of a UTI in older children include:
- frequent passing of urine
- complaining of pain or a burning sensation when passing urine
- Read more about the symptoms of a urinary tract infection in children.
- When to seek medical advice
- Always contact your GP if you think your child has a UTI. This is not usually a serious type of infection but it does need to be properly diagnosed and treated by a doctor.
Treatment
- Most cases of UTIs can be successfully treated withantibiotics.
- As a precaution, babies under three months old are usually admitted to hospital, as are children with more severe symptoms.
- Many older children can be treated safely at home.
- Read more about the treatment of urinary tract infections in children.
