RFSymptoms: Safety netting advice
ChildrenUrinary tract infection
DATE LAST REVIEWED: 05/11/2026
When to seek further review
- A possible urine infection in a child needs urgent GP assessment. A baby under 3 months needs urgent assessment by a children’s specialist.
- If on treatment, arrange review if symptoms have not started to improve within 48 hours, or sooner if worsening.
- Get urgent advice for fever, vomiting, poor feeding, tummy or back pain, fewer wet nappies or less pee.
- Follow the plan for urine results and any scans or follow-up, especially after a repeat infection.
- Do not wait for the suggested review time if symptoms become worse, new symptoms appear, or you are worried.
- Contact your GP when the surgery is open. If it is closed, you cannot get the help you need, or you are unsure what to do, call NHS 111. You can call even if you are not sure whether the symptoms are serious.
When to get emergency help
(Immediately dial 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department)
- New confusion, severe drowsiness or difficulty speaking.
- Being unable to pee at all, especially with lower tummy pain or swelling.
- Severe or rapidly worsening side, back or tummy pain with severe illness.
- Repeated vomiting with marked weakness, collapse, or inability to keep fluids down.
- Shaking chills with rapid breathing, cold clammy skin or rapid deterioration.
- Severe difficulty breathing, pauses in breathing, grunting, or the skin pulling in deeply under or between the ribs.
- Being very difficult to wake or unresponsive.
- Being unusually floppy, confused or not responding as usual.
- Blue, grey, very pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue.
How to spot sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It can get worse quickly. If someone is seriously unwell and may have sepsis, call 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. Do not wait for every sign, a high temperature or a rash.
An unwell child under 5 who has not had a pee or wet nappy for 12 hours needs emergency assessment. If you are unsure and there are no emergency signs, call NHS 111 for advice.
