Not everyone with a urinary tract infection has symptoms, but most people have at least some symptoms. Signs of a urinary tract infection include pain or stinging when urinating, needing to urinate often or really badly, urine that smells bad or looks different, pain in your lower belly, and feeling tired or having a fever.

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection are often harder to recognize in children.

If a child is irritable, is not eating normally, has an unexplained fever that doesn’t go away, has incontinence or loose bowels, or is not thriving, then he or she may have a urinary tract infection. The child should see a health care provider immediately.