Contact a clinician urgently for evaluation and possible prescription antibiotics
Take a urine test (urinalysis ± culture) if advised
Start prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed and finish the full course
Drink plenty of water to help flush urine
Use a heating pad or warm compress on the lower abdomen for discomfort
Use over-the-counter phenazopyridine for short-term symptom relief (follow label; stop after 2 days unless clinician directs)
Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain/fever if you can take them safely
Avoid alcohol and caffeine until symptoms improve
Avoid bladder irritants such as spicy foods and acidic drinks if they worsen symptoms
Don’t “wait it out” if symptoms are moderate to severe or not improving within 24–48 hours
Seek emergency care if you have fever, chills, flank/back pain, vomiting, pregnancy, male sex, kidney disease, or symptoms of sepsis
Seek urgent care if you have recurrent UTIs, diabetes, immunosuppression, or symptoms in children
Avoid starting leftover antibiotics or sharing antibiotics
Consider a follow-up urine culture if symptoms recur or don’t resolve