If the child is too sick to swallow them the antibiotics will be given through a vein in hospital. Other problems found may need different types of treatment. It is uncertain what the long term effects of an infection are. About 20-30 percent of children have more than one infection. If urine infections occur repeatedly and are not treated, this may lead to kidney damage, high blood pressure and poor growth.
Kidney damage can occur if a child has an infection with or without bladder reflux.
Most kidney damage occurs before five years of age and may occur before birth. Early detection and treatment may prevent serious problems occurring. We do not know how to stop a child from getting a urine infection. Parents have an important role to play in prevention. If children who have had one infection get a fever, a sample of urine should be collected and tested.