Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Older Adults

UTIs in Older Adults

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in older adults and can sometimes cause serious illness or lead to hospital admission. Recognising the signs early can help ensure the right treatment is given promptly.

What are the symptoms?

Common symptoms of a UTI include:

• Pain or burning when passing urine
• Needing to pass urine more often or urgently
• Pain in the lower tummy
• Blood in the urine
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• Feeling generally unwell

Older adults may not always have typical urinary symptoms. You may also notice new confusion, tiredness, weakness or a change in usual behaviour.

However, confusion or a change in behaviour on its own does not necessarily mean someone has a UTI. Older people can have bacteria in their urine without having an infection, which does not usually require antibiotics.

When to seek medical advice

Contact the GP surgery or speak to a pharmacist if an older adult has symptoms of a UTI, particularly if symptoms are worsening or they are becoming increasingly unwell.

Seek urgent medical help if they have:

• A high temperature, shivering or chills
• Pain in the back or side
• Vomiting or difficulty keeping fluids down
• Severe or worsening symptoms
• Significant confusion, drowsiness or signs of being seriously unwell

Helping to prevent UTIs

Simple measures can help reduce the risk of UTIs:

• Encourage regular fluids, unless they have been advised to restrict them.
• Encourage regular toilet visits and avoid holding urine for long periods.
• Maintain good personal hygiene.
• Change continence pads regularly.
• Ensure easy access to the toilet.
• Follow healthcare advice if they have a urinary catheter.

Why is UTI awareness important?

UTIs are a major cause of illness and hospital admission. In 2023/24, they were responsible for around 1.2 million hospital bed days.

Early recognition, appropriate treatment and prevention can help reduce complications and unnecessary hospital admissions.

Further information

NHS England and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have produced UTI resources for older adults, families, carers, care homes and community settings, including prevention and symptom posters and a short awareness video.

Urinary tract infection resource suite: Campaign resources | RCGP Learning