Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Recurrent UTIs (Women) - Prevention Plan

Audience: pediatric

Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in girls and young women can be uncomfortable and sometimes serious. They happen when bacteria infect the urinary system more than once over time. While many UTIs can be managed with the help of healthcare providers through telemedicine, it is important to recognize warning signs that need in-person care. This guide helps families understand when to seek immediate medical attention, how to prepare for telemedicine visits, and what steps to take after. Preventing recurrent UTIs often involves good hygiene, staying hydrated, and following medical advice. Remember, telemedicine can support education and early guidance but is not a replacement for physical exams or urgent care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) with chills — seek urgent in-person care.
• Severe abdominal, back, or side pain accompanied by vomiting — go to a healthcare facility immediately.
• Blood in the urine or signs of dehydration such as dry mouth and dizziness — get prompt medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Symptom discussion and history taking
• Education on prevention and hygiene
• Medication guidance for uncomplicated cases
• Determining need for in-person evaluation

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination
• Urine tests or cultures
• Treatment of severe or complicated infections
• Management of dehydration or systemic illness

What Are Recurrent UTIs?

Recurrent UTIs mean having two or more urinary tract infections within six months, or three or more within a year. They can cause symptoms like burning during urination, frequent urges to pee, and lower belly pain. In young girls, it's important to monitor symptoms closely to prevent complications.

Common Causes and Prevention

Recurrent UTIs often happen due to bacteria entering the urinary tract. Factors like poor hygiene, holding urine too long, or certain anatomical differences can increase risk. Prevention tips include:

When to Seek In-Person Care

Some signs mean your child needs to be seen by a healthcare provider in person right away:

These may indicate a more serious infection or complications.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine visits can help with:

However, telemedicine cannot replace physical exams or tests needed to diagnose and treat complicated infections.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before the visit, gather:

Ensure a quiet space with good internet connection for the call.

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the healthcare provider’s advice carefully. This may include:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down all symptoms and when they began
• List any medications currently being taken
• Note previous UTI episodes and treatments
• Prepare questions to ask the healthcare provider
• Find a quiet, private place with good internet connection for the visit

After your tele-visit

• Take prescribed medicines exactly as directed
• Watch for any worsening symptoms or new red flags
• Keep follow-up appointments as recommended
• Maintain good hydration and hygiene practices
• Seek in-person care if advised or if symptoms worsen

FAQs

What causes recurrent UTIs in young girls?

Recurrent UTIs are often caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract repeatedly. Factors like poor hygiene, holding urine too long, or anatomical differences can increase the chance of infections.

Can telemedicine diagnose a UTI?

Telemedicine can help discuss symptoms and decide if further testing or in-person care is needed, but it cannot perform urine tests required to confirm a UTI diagnosis.

How can I help prevent my child from getting UTIs?

Encourage good hygiene, regular bathroom breaks, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding irritants like bubble baths. Following your healthcare provider’s advice is also important.

When should I take my child to the emergency room for a UTI?

If your child has a high fever with chills, severe pain, vomiting, blood in urine, or signs of dehydration, seek emergency care immediately.

Is it safe to treat UTIs without seeing a doctor in person?

Some uncomplicated UTIs may be managed with telemedicine guidance, but physical exams and tests are often needed to ensure proper treatment and rule out complications.

Sources

1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Urinary Tract Infection in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child shows any serious symptoms or red flags, seek immediate medical attention.