I have a uti and am experiencing flu-like symptoms such as mild fever, swollen lymph nodes, and pressure in ears. i'm extremely concerned. flu, symptoms of uti, or something much worse?

Concurrent virus: A simple UTI will not cause fever though if it's a kidney infection rather than bladder infection you'll have a fever. But a UTI will never cause swollen lymph nodes (in your neck) or pressure in ears, so you seem to have a viral infection at the same time as your UTI. There is no law that says you can't have a UTI and viral infection at the same time. This is probably not flu but a milder virus.

That is concerning: Symptoms of UTI along with fever and flu-like illness can suggest what's called pyelonephritis (when the UTI starts to involve the kidneys) which can be serious and does not improve without treatment. Or, you could have a UTI and a flu-like virus at the same time. I do recommend prompt evaluation and treatment preferably in-person but potentially though HealthTap as long as symptoms don't worsen