Many elderly people can have bacteria in their urine. This does not need to be treated if they do not have any symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Using an antibiotic in this situation often causes more harm than good.
Symptoms
- A burning feeling when you pee
- Peeing more often than usual
- Fever
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Pain on one side of your lower back
What can you do?
See your health care provider (physician, nurse practioner or pharmacist) if you have symptoms.
Prevention
- Drink more fluids than usual to help flush (get rid of) the germs that cause a UTI.
- Pee when you feel the need to pee. Don’t hold it in.
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