Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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General health information

Kidney infection

A kidney infection is a bacterial infection of the kidney and renal pelvis. Fever, chills and pain in the side or back need medical assessment the same day; pregnancy or signs of sepsis make this especially urgent.

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A kidney infection is a bacterial infection of the kidney and renal pelvis. Fever, chills and pain in the side or back need medical assessment the same day; pregnancy or signs of sepsis make this especially urgent.

  • Fever, chills and feeling clearly unwell.
  • Pain in the flank, side or back below the ribs, often on one side.
  • Contact a doctor the same day; do not treat a suspected kidney infection with self-care alone.
  • Drink small amounts regularly if you can, without forcing yourself to drink large amounts.
  • Get in touch the same day for fever with flank or back pain, with or without urinary symptoms.
  • For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.

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Further reading

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B
Bladder infection in womenBladder infections are common in women because the urethra is shorter. Burning, frequent urges and pressure in the lower abdomen are typical; pregnancy, fever, back pain or blood needs earlier assessment.
E
Endometritis after childbirthInflammation of the womb lining after childbirth is a bacterial infection in the womb. Fever, increasing lower abdominal pain, feeling unwell or unpleasant-smelling postnatal discharge needs medical assessment the same day, because prompt treatment prevents complications.
B
Bladder infection in childrenA bladder infection in children is usually bacterial. Babies and young children may only have fever, irritability or poor feeding; older children may have burning and frequent urination. Prompt assessment helps prevent a kidney infection.