Concern about UTI Severity and Delay in Antibiotics
Hello everyone. I'm a 21-year-old woman who just received a diagnosis for a moderate urinary tract infection at urgent care this morning. The doctor prescribed me antibiotics, but I made the mistake of forgetting that my pharmacy doesn’t open until tomorrow. In the meantime, I've been managing the situation by staying hydrated. However, I’ve noticed a low-grade fever creeping in, which is causing me some concern about the severity of the infection since I typically don’t experience UTIs (the last one I had was five years ago, and it was my first ever). Currently, I'm dealing with several symptoms: painful urination accompanied by bleeding, fever, a dull ache in my lower back, abdominal and pelvic discomfort, along with slight nausea and a headache. Should I wait until tomorrow to start my antibiotics, or is it necessary for me to seek medical attention right away? P.S. I just realized I forgot to mention the headache in my list of symptoms.
Answers (1)
7/20/2025, 8:50:33 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about your symptoms and the delay in starting antibiotics for your urinary tract infection (UTI). Given the symptoms you're experiencing, especially the low-grade fever, back pain, and bleeding, it’s important to approach this carefully.
Main Points:
- You're experiencing several concerning symptoms related to your UTI, including fever, back pain, and bleeding.
- Waiting until tomorrow for antibiotics could lead to worsening symptoms or complications.
Explanation: A UTI can quickly progress to a more severe infection, especially if you have symptoms like fever and back pain, which may indicate that the infection is affecting your kidneys. While hydration helps, it's crucial to act wisely when symptoms escalate.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Given your low-grade fever, back pain, bleeding, and other symptoms, it would be best to seek medical care sooner rather than later. It's often better to err on the side of caution, especially when key symptoms are present.
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Maintain Hydration: Continue drinking plenty of water. This can help flush out bacteria from your urinary system and may alleviate some discomfort.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms. If they worsen (for example, increasing fever, severe pain, or new symptoms such as vomiting), seek urgent care immediately.
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Prepare for Treatment: When you see a healthcare provider, bring any previous medical records regarding your UTI history, if available, and list all your current symptoms.
Your health is the most important priority right now, so seeking medical attention is a wise choice. Don't hesitate to reach out for help.
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