Female friend who has had a urinary tract infection for the last 3 weeks. she has been on 2 courses of antibiotics but it has not cleared. today she complained about a pain in her back, to the right side. any advice? gp did not seem concerned

Pyelonephritis?: In the context of a persistent urinary tract infection, new-onset mid back pain on one side or the other can be a hint that the kidney on that side is now infected, a scenario called pyelonephritis. She may really need intravenous antibiotics at this point. She should go to the local ED for testing, including urinalysis, urine culture and kidney ultrasound at least.

Kidney infection : With pain in the back, I would be concerned about an infection spreading to the kidneys which becomes a more serious infection. If the you haven't had a definitive urine culture that needs to be done. An ultrasound of the kidneys may also be indicated. Recheck with a medical provider