Many people find the word “infection” scary. Well, it all depends on the infection, I would say. Yes, infections like STDs or AIDS are quite scary but there are infections which should not scare us at all. The reason: most can be treated fast.

One such example is Urinary Tract Infection or UTI. UTI is a kind of infection caused by bacteria found in our urine. These bacteria can multiply in a high number and actually live in our urinary tract. Once the number of bacteria goes up to a high level, then our bodies’ immune system can be affected. The result: we get sick.

People with UTI experience fevers, chills, nausea, vomiting, pain and burning sensation while urinating. Women are more susceptible to urinary tract infection than men but men can also acquire it.

The good thing about UTI is the fact that it can easily be treated. So how do we treat it? Simple. Here are the steps you need to take once you experience the above-mentioned symptoms:

• Go see your doctor. Go to a nearby clinic or hospital and consult a doctor. Although, UTI may be the culprit, it is still best to consider other diseases.
  
  
• Take a urinalysis or a urine sample test (as prescribed). This laboratory test will determine the composition of your urine and if there is a high number of bacterial cells. This process takes only around 30 minutes depending on the lab.
  
  
• After urinalysis, follow the doctor’s advice. If UTI is then concluded, take the prescribed medicine (usually antibiotics) for the specified duration. Stopping the medicine before the set date will just make the infection recur. Also, ask the doctor if generics are allowed. If not, follow the prescribed brand.
  
  
• After taking the prescribed antibiotics completely, return to the doctor and have a follow up examination. This would again involve a urine laboratory test to see if the bacterial cells have gone down.
  
  
• After you are treated, be more cautious when it comes to hygiene and general health. You may take note of the following tips:
  
  
  • Drink plenty of water. Water flushes out the unneeded materials in our body. It cleanses our system.
  • It is best to wear cotton-crotch underwear. They let our genital area breathe. The more air circulation, the lower chance for bacteria to survive.
  • Take Vitamin C. Vitamin C makes our urine more acidic, thus creating an unhealthy environment for bacteria.