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The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Warning as cases of agonising infection surge over summer – with swimming a key trigger
Read on for telltale symptoms of the infection and seven key ways of preventing it SUMMER LOVIN' Warning as cases of agonising infection surge over summer – with swimming a key trigger CASES of an agonising infection surge over the summer months, a GP has warned. Swimming can be a key trigger of the illness, as can forgetting to drink water or getting too caught up to go to the loo. Advertisement 1 Warmer weather and summer activities like swimming can up the risk of UTIs Credit: Getty As temperatures rise and summer activities ramp up, so does the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women, according to Dr Hina Gauher, GP and cystitis lead at Boots Online Doctor. In fact, the number of people visiting the pharmacy chain about UTIs has risen over the summer months. UTI consultations through the NHS Pharmacy First scheme - which allows patients to seek help over seven common conditions - saw a 10 per cent increase between May and June this year, Boots told Sun Health. Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also showed a 9 per cent increase in UTI related hospital admissions compared to the previous 12 months. Advertisement Many of these patients were in hospital for less than a day - with Boots suggesting hospital trips could be avoided by accessing early advice and appropriate treatment. Dr Gauher said: 'UTIs are common bacterial infections affecting the urinary tract that can cause painful symptoms, interrupt travel plans, and sometimes lead to more serious health complications if left untreated." These can include a high temperature, pains in the lower tummy or back, as well as needing to pee urgently and a burning sensation when you do so. 'Dehydration, frequent swimming, and changes in hygiene routines during the holidays can increase the risk of UTIs," the GP went on. Advertisement "It's important to stay aware and take preventive measures, especially during these warmer months.' The GP shared her seven top tips for preventing UTIs or stopping them in their tracks. The most common illnesses you can catch on holiday 1. Stay hydrated Are you forgetting to drink water while getting caught up in your summer plans? This can make UTIs more likely, Dr Gauher warned. Advertisement 'Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is one of the best ways to help flush out bacteria from your urinary tract and relieve UTI symptoms," she said. "Try and aim for at least six to eight glasses of water a day.' 2. Pee regularly The same applies for going to the loo. 'Urinating regularly is key too," the GP went on. Advertisement "Don't hold in urine and try to go to the toilet as soon as you feel the need to. "This helps clear bacteria from the urinary tract before it has the chance to multiply.' What is a UTI? Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are usually caused by bacteria - found in poo - entering the urinary tract. The bacteria enter through the tube that carries pee out of the body (urethra). Women are more likely than men to pick up UTIs as they have a shorter urethra than men. This means bacteria are more likely to reach the bladder or kidneys and cause an infection. According to the NHS, things that increase the risk of bacteria getting into the bladder include: Having sex Pregnancy Conditions that block the urinary tract – such as kidney stones conditions that make it difficult to fully empty the bladder – such as an enlarged prostate in men and constipation in children Urinary catheters (a tube in your bladder used to drain urine) Having a weakened immune system – for example, people with diabetes or people having chemotherapy Not drinking enough fluids Not keeping the genital area clean and dry Check if it's a UTI Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) may include: Pain or a burning sensation when peeing (dysuria) Needing to pee more often than usual Needing to pee more often than usual during the night (nocturia) Needing to pee suddenly or more urgently than usual Pee that looks cloudy Blood in your pee Lower tummy pain or pain in your back, just under the ribs A high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery A very low temperature below 36C Your pee may also be dark or smell. If this is your only symptom, it might be because you've not been drinking enough water. What to do if you think you have a UTI If you think you have UTI symptoms, you should speak to your GP to discuss treatment options. Most people will need antibiotics. Some people may be prescribed a 'delayed antibiotic', meaning they'll be asked only to use it if their symptoms don't go away after a certain amount of time. If you keep getting UTIs, your GP might recommend you have a low dose of antibiotics over a long period of time or refer you to a specialist for more tests and treatments. For women who have gone through menopause, there is evidence that vaginal oestrogen creams can reduce UTI symptoms. Source: NHS 3. Wipe well Sometimes your wiping habits could put you in the danger zone of a UTI, according to Dr Gauher. 'Practising good hygiene is another important step," she stressed. Advertisement "Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacteria from spreading to the urethra, reducing the risk of infection.' 4. Change out of wet swimmies After you've had a dip in the sea or the pool, do you find yourself hanging out in your wet bikini? It's best to change out of it soon, Dr Gauher advised. The same goes for your damp workout clothes too. Advertisement 'Prolonged moisture creates a breeding ground for bacteria," she explained. "After swimming or workouts, change into dry clothing promptly.' 5. Pee after sex Though it's blissful to cuddle after sex, it's worth breaking the spell for a moment to nip to the loo. 'Sex habits also play a role in preventing infections," the GP said. Advertisement "Urinating shortly afterward can help remove bacteria and lower the risk of developing a UTI." You might also want to consider "sashing the vaginal area before and after sexual activity" to make sure no germs get into your urinary tract. 6. Avoid scented soaps There's nothing nicer that coming out of the shower smelling delicious - but it's a good idea to keep scented stuff away from your vagina. 'Skip douches, scented soaps, and harsh feminine sprays, which can upset the natural balance of healthy bacteria," Dr Gauher advised. Advertisement 7. Know red flag symptoms Make sure you're up to date with red flag UTI symptoms so you can seek help promptly. 'UTIs are infections that can affect the bladder, kidneys and the tubes connected to them," Dr Gauher explained. "They can cause symptoms like pain or a burning sensation when urinating, needing to urinate more often, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine.' Women aged 16-64 can access advice and prescription treatment through the NHS Pharmacy First Service, which is available at Boots stores in England as well as other pharmacies. Advertisement But if you're younger or older than this age range or keep getting UTIs, you should speak to your GP. You can get further advice from the Boots Online Doctor Cystitis Treatment service.
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Warning as cases of agonising infection surge over summer – with swimming a key trigger
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CASES of an agonising infection surge over the summer months, a GP has warned. Swimming can be a key trigger of the illness, as can forgetting to drink water or getting too caught up to go to the loo. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Warmer weather and summer activities like swimming can up the risk of UTIs Credit: Getty As temperatures rise and summer activities ramp up, so does the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women, according to Dr Hina Gauher, GP and cystitis lead at Boots Online Doctor. In fact, the number of people visiting the pharmacy chain about UTIs has risen over the summer months. UTI consultations through the NHS Pharmacy First scheme - which allows patients to seek help over seven common conditions - saw a 10 per cent increase between May and June this year, Boots told Sun Health. Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also showed a 9 per cent increase in UTI related hospital admissions compared to the previous 12 months. Many of these patients were in hospital for less than a day - with Boots suggesting hospital trips could be avoided by accessing early advice and appropriate treatment. Dr Gauher said: 'UTIs are common bacterial infections affecting the urinary tract that can cause painful symptoms, interrupt travel plans, and sometimes lead to more serious health complications if left untreated." These can include a high temperature, pains in the lower tummy or back, as well as needing to pee urgently and a burning sensation when you do so. 'Dehydration, frequent swimming, and changes in hygiene routines during the holidays can increase the risk of UTIs," the GP went on. "It's important to stay aware and take preventive measures, especially during these warmer months.' The GP shared her seven top tips for preventing UTIs or stopping them in their tracks. The most common illnesses you can catch on holiday 1. Stay hydrated Are you forgetting to drink water while getting caught up in your summer plans? This can make UTIs more likely, Dr Gauher warned. 'Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is one of the best ways to help flush out bacteria from your urinary tract and relieve UTI symptoms," she said. "Try and aim for at least six to eight glasses of water a day.' 2. Pee regularly The same applies for going to the loo. 'Urinating regularly is key too," the GP went on. "Don't hold in urine and try to go to the toilet as soon as you feel the need to. "This helps clear bacteria from the urinary tract before it has the chance to multiply.' What is a UTI? Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are usually caused by bacteria - found in poo - entering the urinary tract. The bacteria enter through the tube that carries pee out of the body (urethra). Women are more likely than men to pick up UTIs as they have a shorter urethra than men. This means bacteria are more likely to reach the bladder or kidneys and cause an infection. According to the NHS, things that increase the risk of bacteria getting into the bladder include: Having sex Pregnancy Conditions that block the urinary tract – such as kidney stones conditions that make it difficult to fully empty the bladder – such as an enlarged prostate in men and constipation in children Urinary catheters (a tube in your bladder used to drain urine) Having a weakened immune system – for example, people with diabetes or people having chemotherapy Not drinking enough fluids Not keeping the genital area clean and dry Check if it's a UTI Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) may include: Pain or a burning sensation when peeing (dysuria) Needing to pee more often than usual Needing to pee more often than usual during the night (nocturia) Needing to pee suddenly or more urgently than usual Pee that looks cloudy Blood in your pee Lower tummy pain or pain in your back, just under the ribs A high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery A very low temperature below 36C Your pee may also be dark or smell. If this is your only symptom, it might be because you've not been drinking enough water. What to do if you think you have a UTI If you think you have UTI symptoms, you should speak to your GP to discuss treatment options. Most people will need antibiotics. Some people may be prescribed a 'delayed antibiotic', meaning they'll be asked only to use it if their symptoms don't go away after a certain amount of time. If you keep getting UTIs, your GP might recommend you have a low dose of antibiotics over a long period of time or refer you to a specialist for more tests and treatments. For women who have gone through menopause, there is evidence that vaginal oestrogen creams can reduce UTI symptoms. Source: NHS 3. Wipe well Sometimes your wiping habits could put you in the danger zone of a UTI, according to Dr Gauher. 'Practising good hygiene is another important step," she stressed. "Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacteria from spreading to the urethra, reducing the risk of infection.' 4. Change out of wet swimmies After you've had a dip in the sea or the pool, do you find yourself hanging out in your wet bikini? It's best to change out of it soon, Dr Gauher advised. The same goes for your damp workout clothes too. 'Prolonged moisture creates a breeding ground for bacteria," she explained. "After swimming or workouts, change into dry clothing promptly.' 5. Pee after sex Though it's blissful to cuddle after sex, it's worth breaking the spell for a moment to nip to the loo. 'Sex habits also play a role in preventing infections," the GP said. "Urinating shortly afterward can help remove bacteria and lower the risk of developing a UTI." You might also want to consider "sashing the vaginal area before and after sexual activity" to make sure no germs get into your urinary tract. 6. Avoid scented soaps There's nothing nicer that coming out of the shower smelling delicious - but it's a good idea to keep scented stuff away from your vagina. 'Skip douches, scented soaps, and harsh feminine sprays, which can upset the natural balance of healthy bacteria," Dr Gauher advised. 7. Know red flag symptoms Make sure you're up to date with red flag UTI symptoms so you can seek help promptly. 'UTIs are infections that can affect the bladder, kidneys and the tubes connected to them," Dr Gauher explained. "They can cause symptoms like pain or a burning sensation when urinating, needing to urinate more often, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine.' Women aged 16-64 can access advice and prescription treatment through the NHS Pharmacy First Service, which is available at Boots stores in England as well as other pharmacies. But if you're younger or older than this age range or keep getting UTIs, you should speak to your GP. You can get further advice from the Boots Online Doctor Cystitis Treatment service.
Daily Mirror
28-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
6 million hours of A&E time taken up by people with minor ailments such as colds
See NHS list of conditions you can now get a quick consultation for at your local pharmacy amid warnings A&Es are being overwhelmed Six million hours of time in A&E is being taken up by patients who could be treated at their local chemist. This includes patients going to A&E with blocked noses, common colds, acne and requesting routine medication. In England 325,000 people visited A&E with a sore throat or a cold, costing the NHS £44 million that year alone. Some 62,000 people visited A&E with nose bleeds, 18,000 with blocked noses, 40,000 with eczema and 1,000 attended with acne. Henry Gregg, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association said: 'Of course people with serious injuries should go to A&E but it should be a place for emergencies not the first place to go when faced with a minor ailment. 'Our analysis clearly shows a substantial number of visits to A&E could be better managed in a local pharmacy. This would be more convenient for patients, who could be treated in minutes on their doorstep and save substantial time and money in one of the busiest parts of our NHS.' NHS England is trying to pay pharmacists to do more as the Government pushes for the health service to treat people closer to their homes. Commissioning pharmacies to care for more ailments could also reduce the burden on overstretched GPs. The NHS Pharmacy First scheme means people can now be seen there for several common ailments; earache, sore throats, sinusitis, shingles, impetigo, urinary tract infections and infected insect bites and stings. But new analysis shows people are still turning up in A&E for these conditions. This included 18,000 patients with infected insect bites and 196,000 urinary tract infections. The NPA is calling for much greater awareness of Pharmacy First to encourage greater usage of chemists as a first port of call for certain health conditions. It is also calling on the UK Government to include additional conditions in England, such as constipation, diarrhoea and certain bacterial skin infections, to bring it into line with the Scottish government which runs the NHS there. It comes a week before the launch of the Ten Year Health Plan. Henry Gregg added: 'The Government has a once in a generation opportunity to use the Ten Year Plan to turbo charge the role of community pharmacies who, properly funded, have a vital part to play in creating a neighbourhood health service. 'Investment in more clinical services in pharmacies will not only help to end the 8am scramble for a GP appointment but also help get patients out of hospitals and into the community. 'Pharmacies still face considerable funding pressures which need resolving and investment in them is key if the government are to shift care to people's local communities.' Professor Julian Redhead, NHS England clinical director for emergency care, said: 'The upcoming 10-Year Health Plan will see a shift of care from hospital to the community and we want the public to be aware of all the services available, so they don't always feel they have to go to A&E. 'Unless it's an emergency, your first port of call should always be calling NHS 111 or using 111 online, which can direct you to the most appropriate place – whether that be your local pharmacy, a walk-in centre, or clinical self-help advice. 'By ensuring everyone is using the right service for them, more people will be seen faster in the most appropriate place, and importantly vital life-saving A&E services will be kept for those patients who need it the most.'
Scottish Sun
25-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The potentially life-threatening infection that's rife in summer revealed – and 7 signs you must never ignore
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A PHARMACIST has warned hot weather could put women at higher at risk of a painful and potentially life-threatening condition. Urinary tract infections - known as UTIs - tend to soar in the summer, as warmer temperatures provide the "perfect climate" for bacteria to thrive. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Hot weather can help harmful bacteria thrive, upping the risk of UTIs Credit: Getty UTIs are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract and affecting the urethra or bladder. They're easily dealt with with rest, painkillers and antibiotics, but left untreated the infections can rapidly progress into deadly sepsis. Wendy Lee, lead pharmacist at Well Pharmacy, warned: 'While UTIs are entirely treatable, if left undiagnosed, they can worsen quickly, leading to blood poisoning, known as sepsis, which can be fatal. 'If you suspect you might have a UTI, you must seek treatment immediately.' The infections most commonly affect women - it's estimated that over half of all women in the UK will have at least one UTI in their lifetime. Men can get them too, though it's less common. 'UTIs can be caused by dehydration, which women are at greater risk of developing during the summer months," Wendy said. 'People tend to sweat more in hot weather and not drinking enough fluids could lead to lower urine production and a build-up of germs. 'The warmer weather provides the perfect climate for bacterial growth, which can then enter the urethra and cause infection.' Untreated UTIs, which start in the urethra or bladder, can travel upwards to the kidneys. The signs and symptoms of sepsis to look out for, according to The UK Sepsis Trust This can cause a kidney infection - known as pyelonephritis - which can lead to scarring, chronic kidney disease or sepsis. People over 65 are the most vulnerable to these secondary infections and should keep an eye out for UTI symptoms. NHS stats show that more than 1.8m Brits were admitted to hospital due to UTIs between 2018 and 2023. In 2022/23, 56 per cent of the 147,285 admissions were for people over 65. UTI symptoms you should never ignore Wendy flagged common symptoms of the infection to watch out for this summer: Pain or a burning feeling when urinating Needing to pee more frequently than usual Cloudy urine Blood in your pee Back pain or stomach pain Fever (high temperature) Chills and shivering, known as rigors The pharmacist warned: 'Any of these symptoms may indicate a more serious infection. Under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme, you can get UTI symptoms checked out by a pharmacist without needing to wait for a GP appointment. The scheme allows pharmacists to provide advice, treatment, and prescription medicines for seven common health conditions, which include UTIs in women. How to avoid UTIs this summer Wendy Lee, lead pharmacist at Well Pharmacy, shared her DOs and DON'Ts for avoiding UTIs this summer: DO maintain good personal hygiene - always keep the genital area clean, pat dry gently and wipe from your vagina towards your anus (front to back) when you use the toilet. Avoid holding urine for long periods and always go when you feel the urge. DO drink water or other fluids regularly, so you regularly pass urine and stay hydrated. DO wash your vagina before and after intercourse, and if able, urinate soon after sex DON'T use vaginal douches, scented intimate wipes, bubble baths, or heavily fragranced products. These can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and irritate the urinary tract. DO choose cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting trousers or synthetic fabrics that trap moisture, which can promote bacterial growth. DON'T rush when urinating, and make sure you empty your bladder fully DO limit alcohol and sugary drinks as this can be an irritant Wendy described what you can expect when visiting a pharmacy for a UTI. 'Following consultation, your pharmacist will advise on the most effective painkillers to treat your needs," she said. "They can also supply antibiotics, if required, as well as determine whether there is a need to have a follow-up appointment with a GP." There are also things you can do at home to treat UTI symptoms. 'If you suspect you have a UTI there are things you can do to ease the symptoms, like taking paracetamol up to four times a day to reduce the pain and high temperature," Wendy said. 'Try to take it easy, take frequent naps and drink lots of water because this will help dilute your urine, and in turn flush out the bacteria from your urinary tract. 'If you are perimenopausal or postmenopausal and experience recurrent UTIs, your pharmacist may advise speaking to your GP about oestrogen-based treatments such as vaginal creams, tablets or using a ring.'
South Wales Guardian
23-05-2025
- Health
- South Wales Guardian
Patients able to track prescription status with new ‘Amazon-style' service
The new feature will aim to 'tackle the administrative burden' on pharmacies by slashing unnecessary phone calls and visits, allowing staff to spend more time assisting patients. According to NHS England, around 45% of phone calls to community pharmacies are from people chasing prescriptions. Now patients can use the NHS app to track if their medicines are ready to collect or have been despatched for delivery. Dr Vin Diwakar, clinical transformation director at NHS England, said: 'We know that people want more control over how they manage their healthcare and the new prescription tracking feature in the NHS app offers exactly that. 'You will now get a near real-time update in the app that lets you know when your medicine is ready so you can avoid unnecessary trips or leaving it until the last minute to collect. 'The new Amazon-style feature will also help to tackle the administrative burden on pharmacists, so that they can spend more of their time providing health services and advice to patients rather than updates on the status of their prescriptions.' Almost 1,500 high street pharmacies, including Boots, are taking part in the new feature. The service is also expected to expand to almost 5,000 pharmacies over the next 12 months. Health Secretary Wes Streeting added: 'If patients can track the journey of their food shop, they should be able to do the same with their prescriptions. 'By harnessing the power and efficiency of modern tech, we're saving patients time, driving productivity and freeing up hardworking pharmacists to do what they do best – helping patients, not providing status updates.' Boots pharmacy director Anne Higgins said: 'For the first time, when a patient orders their prescription via the NHS app and they've nominated a Boots pharmacy to dispense it, they can view its journey at every key step of the process. 'This will remove the need for patients to call our pharmacy team for updates on their prescription so they can spend more time with patients and deliver vital services like NHS Pharmacy First.' Responding to the NHS announcement, Olivier Picard, chairman of the National Pharmacy Association, said prescription tracking 'is a game-changer'. 'In many pharmacies, we've seen limited patient uptake of the NHS app largely because this functionality wasn't previously available,' he added. 'Pharmacies want to do all they can to embrace new technology and make the vital services they offer as easy and convenient as possible for patients to access. 'Anything that allows pharmacies to focus on delivering first-class patient care, rather than spending time on phone calls to provide prescription status updates is welcome news. 'It's important that this new prescription tracking feature is quickly made available to all independent community pharmacies, who collectively represent the majority of pharmacies in England. This will help maximise the benefit of the service for patients across the country.' Health service data suggests the NHS app has 37.4 million registered users, with an average of 11.4 million people using it to manage their healthcare every month. The app also allows patients to use a barcode to collect their prescription, while the number of repeat prescriptions ordered through the app increased by 40% to 5.5 million between April 2024 and April 2025.
