Fever
Many people experience a fever when they have a urinary tract infection or UTI. While a fever is not necessarily the defining characteristic of a UTI, it can be one of the symptoms. One of the ways the body fights infection is by raising its temperature, which makes it harder for the bacteria to survive. That’s why people might experience a fever when they have a UTI caused by E. coli.
A fever can also signify that the infection has spread from your urinary tract to the blood, a condition known as sepsis. Sepsis is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Therefore, if an individual experiences a fever along with other symptoms such as shortness of breath or confusion, it is crucial to go to the emergency room as soon as possible.
Fever also indicates that the E. coli infection has progressed and ascended into the kidneys causing renal inflammation or pyelonephritis. This condition is more serious because it can lead to permanent kidney damage if left untreated.
