2021 Trends

Urinary Tract Infections rising. In the first half of 2021, Summit County had approximately 27 Unanticipated Hospitalizations related to infections. 67% of those infections were due to Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).

Each year, UTIs are a leading cause of infection related admits in Summit County. Those who may be unable to conduct hygiene tasks independently or use catheters may be at higher risk for developing a UTI or being admitted to the hospital due to the infection.

Warning Signs

   According to the Cleveland Clinic, here are some common signs of a possible UTI:

• • Pain in the side, abdomen, or pelvic area
  • Frequent urination
  • Abnormal urine color (cloudy) or strong foul-smelling urine
  • Fever
  • Mental Changes or Confusion
  • Vomiting

UTI Prevention

   The Cleveland Clinic also provides some tips about how to prevent UTIs from occurring for those at high risk:

• • Practice good hygiene. It is especially recommended for women that they wipe from front to back and change pads/tampons frequently
  • Drink plenty of fluids. This can help to remove bacteria from the urinary tract. Cleveland Clinic recommends 6-8 glasses of water per day
  • Change of urination habits. Frequent urination can help to expel bad bacteria before infections can begin
  • Avoid foods & liquids that can irritate the bladder. These include juices, caffeinated drinks, & spicy foods

Want more information? 

For more information about UTIs and how to treat them, please visit Cleveland Clinic’s Health Library