United Kingdom
A 28-year-old female asked:

Can flu like symptoms be caused by a uti? i have a super public catheter and feel so ill. i do have a uti hot n cold flushes?

3 doctor answers4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Carrie Cannon
A Verified Doctoranswered
Family Medicine 35 years experience
Yes.: Septicemia can cause fever, chills. Please go to an urgent care center, your usual doctor or emergency room for a urine culture and studies.
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Dr. James Doyle
37 years experience
You may be uroseptic: Influenza (the flu) is not caused by a UTI. The bacteria causing the infection is trying to get into your bloodstream. You will have symptoms similar to the flu and feel very sick. You may need special antibiotics since catheters may introduce resistant bacteria. This could be serious and you may need immediate care.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. James Lin
A Verified Doctoranswered
Urology 53 years experience
Here are some ...: For one with permanent suprapubic catheter, constant bacteria in the urine is 100% expected, but rarely cause symptomatic UTI as long as the catheter is open and draining. For your condition, you may need empirical antibiotic Rx after obtaining urine & blood culture & ruling out the other sources for flu-like symptoms such as URI or viral showering syndrome. So, see Doc timely for proper Dx & Rx.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Oct 6, 2020

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