As temperatures increase, an insidious threat is gaining ground in the most fragile. The British Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) is sounding the alarm on an infection of banal appearance but which can sometimes be fatal. Particularly frequent in hot weather, this affection primarily affects the elderly and women, and can lead to hospitalization, even to death if it is not treated in time.
What are the symptoms not to be ignored?
Urinary infections occur when a bacteria enters the urinary system: urethra, bladder, or sometimes the kidneys. In summer, dehydration and perspiration can promote their appearance. Some signs are easily recognizable.
Here are the ten main symptoms of a urinary tract infection:
- Pain or burning sensation by urinating (dysuria).
- Need to urinate more often than usual.
- Need to urinate more often than usual during the night (nycturia).
- Need to urinate suddenly or more urgently than usual.
- Urine that seems troubled.
- Blood in the urine.
- Pain in the lower belly or in the back, just under the ribs.
- A high temperature, or a feeling of hot or cold, and chills.
- A very low temperature less than 36 ° C.
- Feel tired or weak.
The NHS also specifies that urine can be dark or smelly. “”If it’s your only symptom, it may be because you haven’t drunk enough water“He notes.
Children do not always have the same signals. With them, we can observe a high temperature, an altered general condition, appetite disorders, urinary accidents or vomiting.
In the elderly, the signs can be more subtle. In addition to conventional symptoms, infection can manifest as behavioral changes, confusion or worsening incontinence. Those who have a urinary probe are also more at risk of developing complications such as chills or new tremors.
A heavy impact on hospitals and the elderly
The latest data from the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) are clear: the elderly are the most concerned. In 2023, nearly 200,000 hospitalizations for urinary tract infections were recorded in England. More than half of the admissions concerned people over 70 years (52.7 %), and 61.8 % were women. Among those under 50, women are five times more affected than men (24.7 % against 5.3 %). But after this age, the gap between the sexes is tightening, with 37.1 % of female admission against 32.9 % for men.
A point that Ukhsa also underlines: “This underlines the need for men over 50 to also pay early attention to urinary symptoms and seek treatment that can avoid hospitalization“.
How to reduce the risk of urinary tract infection?
Certain simple gestures make it possible to limit the appearance of urinary tract infections, especially in summer:
- Drinking regularly, even if it involves going to the toilet more often;
- Go to urinate as soon as the need is felt, without waiting;
- Maintain good daily intimate hygiene, especially in case of incontinence;
- Wipe from front and back after having gone to the toilet;
- Wash before and after intercourse;
- Consult a healthcare professional in the event of repeated urinary tract infections.
Faced with the slightest symptom, consult a pharmacist or your general practitioner to assess the need for treatment.