UTI Symptoms
Bladder UTI vs. Kidney Infection
| Symptom | Bladder UTI | Kidney Infection |
|---|---|---|
| Burning urination | Yes | Yes |
| Frequency / urgency | Yes | Yes |
| Fever | Rare | Common, often high |
| Back / flank pain | Rare | Common |
| Nausea / vomiting | Rare | Common |
| Where to go | Urgent care | ER if severe symptoms |
- High fever (over 103°F) with back or flank pain
- Severe nausea or vomiting preventing medication
- Shaking chills (sign of systemic infection)
- UTI symptoms while pregnant
- No improvement after 2–3 days of antibiotics
How UTIs Are Treated
Bacterial UTIs require antibiotics. Common prescriptions include nitrofurantoin (Macrobid), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim), or fosfomycin. For pain relief while antibiotics take effect, providers may recommend phenazopyridine (AZO) to reduce burning. Drink plenty of water to help flush the infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can urgent care treat a UTI in Cicero?
Yes. Urgent care can diagnose and treat UTIs the same day. A urine test is done on-site and antibiotics are prescribed the same visit if confirmed. No appointment needed.
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
Burning urination, frequent strong urge to urinate with little output, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, pelvic pressure, and sometimes pink or blood-tinged urine. Fever and back pain may indicate the infection has reached the kidneys.
How quickly do UTI antibiotics work?
Most people feel relief within 1–2 days. A typical course is 3–7 days. Always finish the full course even if symptoms resolve early.
Do I need to go to the ER for a UTI?
No, for most UTIs urgent care is appropriate. Go to the ER if you have high fever over 103°F, severe back or flank pain, shaking chills, or vomiting — these suggest a kidney infection.
Does urgent care take Medicaid for a UTI?
Many urgent care clinics in Cicero accept Illinois Medicaid including AllKids and FamilyCare. Self-pay UTI visits typically cost $80–$150 including the urinalysis.
Medical Disclaimer: Urgent Care Cicero is a free health information and urgent care directory — we are not a medical provider and do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information on this page is for general educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed doctor or qualified healthcare professional before making any health decision. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Sources: Content is based on publicly available guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mayo Clinic, MedlinePlus (NIH), and other peer-reviewed medical references.