Urgent Care for Urine Infection Treatment in Fairfax, VA

A urine infection, or urinary tract infection (UTI), occurs when microorganisms—most commonly bacteria—infect part of the urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. A bladder infection, also called cystitis, is one of the most common types of UTI.

Common symptoms can include:

• Pain or burning when urinating
• Needing to urinate more often than usual
• A strong urge to urinate even when little urine comes out
• Pressure, cramping, or discomfort in the lower abdomen
• Cloudy or bloody urine
• Strong-smelling urine

Symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or pain in the back or side may indicate that an infection has reached the kidneys and requires prompt medical evaluation.
Urinary symptoms do not always mean a bacterial UTI. Other medical conditions can cause similar symptoms, which is why an appropriate clinical evaluation is important before deciding on treatment.

Diagnosing a urine infection usually begins with discussing the patient’s symptoms, medical history, previous UTIs, medications, and other relevant health concerns. A physical examination may also be performed depending on the symptoms.

At Prima Urgent Care, Susane Njomo, DNP, can evaluate symptoms such as painful urination, urinary urgency, frequency, lower abdominal discomfort, or changes in urine. Diagnostic testing may be used when clinically appropriate to help determine whether an infection is present and guide treatment.

Not every patient requires the same evaluation. Factors such as recurrent infections, pregnancy, underlying health conditions, symptoms in men, or signs of a possible kidney infection can affect what additional evaluation or follow-up is appropriate.

Recovery time depends on the location and severity of the infection, the patient’s overall health, and whether the prescribed treatment is effective against the infection.

For many uncomplicated bladder infections, symptoms begin improving relatively soon after appropriate antibiotic treatment starts. MedlinePlus notes that bladder infection symptoms often improve within about 24 to 48 hours after treatment begins, although recovery can vary from person to person.

Patients who receive antibiotics should take them exactly as prescribed and should not stop treatment early simply because symptoms have improved. Antibiotics can also cause side effects, and their unnecessary use contributes to antibiotic resistance.

If symptoms are getting worse, are not improving after treatment begins, or return soon after treatment is completed, another medical evaluation may be necessary.

Prompt evaluation is particularly important if urinary symptoms occur along with:

• Fever or chills
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain in the back, side, or groin
• Symptoms that are rapidly worsening
• Repeated urinary infections
• Symptoms that return after treatment
• Pregnancy

These symptoms can sometimes indicate a kidney infection or another condition requiring additional care.

Severe illness, confusion, difficulty staying awake, significant weakness, inability to keep fluids down, or other concerning symptoms may require emergency evaluation rather than routine urgent care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some urinary symptoms may improve without treatment, but patients should not assume that a suspected UTI will resolve on its own. Untreated bladder infections can sometimes spread to the kidneys. A healthcare professional can determine whether symptoms are consistent with a UTI and whether treatment is needed.

Yes. Some people experience recurrent UTIs or develop symptoms again shortly after treatment. When symptoms return, another evaluation may be appropriate rather than using leftover antibiotics or repeating treatment without medical guidance.

Contact a healthcare professional if symptoms are worsening or are not improving after treatment begins. Additional evaluation may be needed to confirm the diagnosis, determine whether the infection is responding to treatment, or identify another cause of the symptoms.

Yes. A bladder infection can sometimes spread to one or both kidneys. Fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the back or side can be signs of a kidney infection and should be evaluated promptly.

Susane Njomo, DNP, MSN, CRNI, FNP-C, FNP-BC, is a board-certified nurse practitioner with experience in urgent care and the evaluation of a wide range of medical concerns. Her clinical background includes reviewing patient histories, performing physical examinations, evaluating diagnostic findings, and developing evidence-based treatment plans.

At Prima Urgent Care in Fairfax, Dr. Njomo can evaluate urinary symptoms and determine appropriate next steps based on the patient’s symptoms, medical history, examination, and available diagnostic findings. When a bacterial UTI is identified and antibiotic treatment is appropriate, the medication selected depends on individual clinical factors. Patients with symptoms suggesting a more serious infection can also be directed to the appropriate level of care.

Contact us today for more information or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3903 Fair Ridge Dr Suite Q, Fairfax, VA 22033. We serve patients from Fairfax VA, South Riding VA, Dulles VA, Chantilly VA, Stone Ridge VA, Oakton VA, Legato VA, Burke VA, Oak Hill VA, Lees Corner VA & BEYOND! Our Fairfax location is close to Fair Oaks Hospital, Fair Oaks Mall, and Greenbriar Shopping Center.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Urinary Tract Infection Basics
CDC — Urinary Tract Infection Basics
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases — Bladder Infection (Urinary Tract Infection—UTI) in Adults
NIDDK — Bladder Infection in Adults
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases — Diagnosis of Bladder Infection in Adults
NIDDK — Diagnosis of Bladder Infection
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases — Treatment for Bladder Infection in Adults
NIDDK — Treatment for Bladder Infection
MedlinePlus — Urinary Tract Infection in Adults
MedlinePlus — Urinary Tract Infection in Adults