The NHS and UK Health Security Agency are encouraging older residents across Bath and North East Somerset to reduce their risk of contracting urinary tract infections (UTIs).
The infections led to more than 21,000 urgent hospital admissions across the region last year.
UTIs can be particularly serious in older people, with the over-70s accounting for 70% of admissions.
While the overall UTI death rate in hospitals is around four in a hundred, this rises to nearly one in 10 for people aged over 95.
Simple steps, such as good hygiene and drinking plenty of fluids, can help people reduce the risk of infection and hospitalisation.
While UTIs are a year-round concern, NHS England and UKHSA said they hope greater awareness will help keep people well as the health service approaches what is likely to be another busy winter.
Sometimes UTIs can be hard to treat due to antibiotic-resistant infection, especially in older people. Recognising the symptoms and consulting the NHS early make dealing with the issue much easier.
Elizabeth Beech, NHS England’s South West Antimicrobial Resistance and UTI lead, said: “UTI is very common, and early treatment with the correct antibiotic can reduce the risk of a serious infection that can result in hospital admission, particularly for older people.
“That’s why we are encouraging older people and their carers to take simple measures to reduce the risk of infection as well as to recognise the signs of a possible infection and seek NHS help. Both of these can help people stay safe at home this winter.”
Some of the symptoms of UTI include needing to pee more frequently or urgently than usual, pain or a burning sensation when peeing, new pain in the lower tummy, kidney pain or pain in the lower back, blood in the pee, and for older people can include changes in behaviour such as acting agitated or confused.
If left unmanaged UTIs can lead to severe infection, sepsis, and in the most serious cases death.
Dr Derren Ready, Consultant in Public Health Infections South West at UKHSA, said: “Urinary-tract infections are incredibly common and while most people can manage their infection at home with painkillers and plenty of fluids, some people will develop more serious complications, such as kidney or bloodstream infections that need hospital treatment.
“These more serious consequences are more common in people over the age of 65 so we are reminding people over the age of 65 in particular to be aware of the ways they can help reduce their risk of getting poorly.
“Drinking enough fluids is so important, as well as avoiding holding onto pee. Regular washing and keeping dry can also help reduce the risk of infections.”
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said: “If you or someone you care for has any symptoms like pain when peeing, a high temperature, lower tummy pain, or changes in behaviour, please seek advice as soon as possible from your GP, a walk-in centre, community pharmacist, or by calling NHS 111, as the quicker a UTI is detected, the faster and easier it is to treat.”
