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What to do if…
you have sudden back or side pain with fever and urinary symptoms

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy USA guide

Short answer

Get medical care today. Fever or chills with side or back pain and urinary symptoms can be a kidney infection, and it should be assessed promptly.

Do not do these things

  • Do not wait days “to see if it passes” if you have fever or chills plus side or back pain and urinary symptoms.
  • Do not take leftover antibiotics or someone else’s antibiotics.
  • Do not take more over-the-counter pain or fever medicine than the label says.
  • Do not drive yourself if you feel faint, confused, very weak, severely short of breath, or in severe pain.
  • Do not assume it is only back strain when burning, urgency, frequent urination, blood in urine, cloudy urine, or foul-smelling urine is also present.

What to do now

  1. Decide whether this is ER or 911 now.

    • Call 911 or go to the ER now if you have confusion or mental changes, severe shortness of breath, rapid breathing or very fast heart rate, severe dehydration, repeated vomiting so you cannot keep fluids down, severe pain, no urination or very little urination, or you feel rapidly worse.
    • If those signs are not present, arrange same-day medical evaluation through urgent care, your doctor’s office, or the ER, whichever can assess you fastest.

  2. Use clear words when you call or check in.

    • Say: “I have fever or chills, side or back pain, and urinary symptoms.”
    • Say when it started, your temperature if you know it, and whether symptoms are getting worse.

  3. Mention risk factors early.

    • Say if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, have diabetes, kidney disease, immune suppression, kidney stones, urinary tract problems, recent urinary tract surgery, or antibiotic allergies.
    • Say if you have nausea, vomiting, blood in urine, cloudy urine, foul-smelling urine, burning, urgency, or needing to pee often.

  4. Keep it simple while you are getting seen.

    • Sip water if you can keep fluids down.
    • Use over-the-counter pain or fever medicine only as directed on the label and only if it is normally safe for you.
    • Ask someone to drive you or stay nearby if you feel very ill, weak, dizzy, or worried about getting worse.

  5. If you use telehealth, make sure it does not delay needed care.

    • Tell them clearly about fever or chills plus side or back pain and urinary symptoms.
    • Ask whether you need same-day in-person exam, urine testing, or ER care.
    • If telehealth cannot give you a clear same-day plan, use urgent care or the ER instead.

What can wait

  • You do not need to work out the exact cause right now.
  • You do not need to decide anything long term about work, travel, or routines before being assessed.
  • You do not need to try home remedies, supplements, or multiple pain-relief approaches before getting medical care.
  • You do not need to search for the “perfect” clinic if urgent care, your doctor’s office, or the ER can assess you sooner.

Important reassurance

This symptom combination can feel frightening, but getting assessed promptly is a practical next step. Many urinary and kidney infections are treatable, and early care helps reduce the chance of complications.

Scope note

These are first steps only. Later decisions about tests, antibiotics, follow-up, or specialist care may need a clinician who can examine you and review your medical history.

Important note

This is general information, not medical advice, diagnosis, or professional care. If symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or you have signs of serious illness, call 911 or go to the nearest ER.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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