CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
Urinary tract infection - children - Management
When should I treat UTI in a child between 3 months and 3 years of age with an antibiotic?
- If urinary tract infection (UTI) — upper or lower — is suggested by symptoms and supported by urine tests, then treat immediately with an antibiotic.
- Obtain a urine specimen for culture and sensitivities prior to starting antibiotics.
- Delay the decision about treatment until the urine microscopy and culture results are available, when there are no specific symptoms for UTI and:
- Either they are at intermediate risk for serious illness and the urine test does not suggest UTI,
- Or they are at low risk for severe illness (urine test is not needed).
In depth
© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement