AN E.coli warning has been issued by public health chiefs in Cumbria, with people more at risk in hot weather.

People are being urged to drink more water to help prevent urine infections, which are often linked to E.coli.

Dr Clive Graham, from North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust (NCUH), recently teamed up with Cumbria County Council's public health to launch a summer hydration campaign.

And as the heatwave continues, they are again trying to raise awareness for the need to increase fluid intake.

In 2015, blood stream infections like E.coli are believed to have contributed to 5,500 patient deaths in the UK.

A number of these infections are resistant to antibiotics too, making them harder to treat in those affected.

Dr Graham, consultant microbiologist and director of infection prevention NCUH, said: "If you are elderly or frail you are more at risk of a urinary tract infection (UTI).

"The most serious type of UTI is where the infection spreads to the kidneys and bloodstream."

He said there are far more UTIs in hotter weather.

"There are seasonal increases and there was a significant peak in August last year," explained Dr Graham.

"In the summer months, if it is warmer, then it's quite easy to get dehydrated. In June we saw many more bloodstream infections than last year, and one of the simplest ways to try and avoid UTIs is to keep well hydrated.

“The symptoms of a UTI include needing to pee more frequently, pain or discomfort when passing urine or pain around the kidney area.

“In elderly people a urine infection can be serious, resulting in severe confusion or agitation. As a result, the signs can be particularly difficult to spot in patients living with dementia."

Anyone who thinks they or a relative may have a UTI or kidney infection should contact their GP, who may prescribe antibiotics.

However the best way to prevent an infection is to stay hydrated.

The risk of infection increases with age, with the majority of infections seen in the elderly.

Some older people can be reluctant to drink for a number of reasons such needing to go to the toilet more often, fear of falling when going to the toilet, or just feeling less thirsty.

Warning signs of dehydration include headaches; tiredness; dry mouth, lips and eyes; poor oral health; confusion; dark urine; passing small amounts of urine; going to the toilet less frequently; feeling thirsty; and constipation.

Advice is to drink at least eight glasses of fluid each day to ensure that the urine system is regularly flushed through.

Fluids can include water, milk, fruit juice, tea or coffee.