Keeping your catheter clean and protected is even more important in the winter and during the holiday season. Travel, cold weather, and long holiday events can create the perfect storm for catheter-related urinary tract infections (UTIs), but with the right info and prep, you can reduce your risk and stay comfortable.
This guide will walk you through catheter hygiene tips, signs to watch for, and how UroStat Healthcare can help you stay stocked and stress-free all season long.
What Causes UTIs in Catheter Users?
Even with the most careful routines, catheter users can still be at risk for UTIs. But understanding the most common causes can help you avoid them. Here are some of the most common causes of UTIs in catheter users:
- Touching the catheter or insertion site with unclean hands
- Leaving a catheter in for too long (especially during long travel days)
- Using catheters that have been exposed to dirt, moisture, or temperature swings
- Contamination during insertion in public or non-sterile settings
- Reduced fluid intake, which leads to less frequent flushing of bacteria from the urinary system
Luckily, most of these causes are preventable with a bit of preparation and some smart packing.
Does the Risk of UTIs Increase in the Winter?
Holidays and unpredictable weather can throw off even the best routines. Whether it’s a late dinner, a long road trip, unexpected weather delay, or a crowded guest bathroom, you might not always have ideal conditions to manage your catheter care. That’s when hygiene slips, and when bacteria thrive.
During the winter months especially, the risk of UTIs can increase due to:
- Dehydration (people tend to drink less water in colder weather)
- Fewer bathroom breaks (long drives or limited restroom access)
- Busy schedules (that make it easy to delay changes or skip hand hygiene)
A little planning can go a long way in avoiding complications and making sure you feel your best wherever the holidays take you.
Holiday Hygiene Tips for Catheter Users
Whether you’re traveling, staying with relatives, or attending holiday events, these practical tips can help you maintain good catheter hygiene, even away from home.
Stay Clean on the Go
Here are a few ways to stay clean and hygienic during your holiday travels:
- Wash your hands thoroughly or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after handling any supplies.
- Use antiseptic wipes to clean the insertion site before inserting a new catheter.
- If using a closed system catheter, follow all steps for safe insertion, even if you’re in a rush.
- Find a clean, private space to change when possible. If not, bring disposable underpads to create a sterile surface.
Fresh out of incontinence supplies? Get all your pull-ups, pads, and diapers through UroStat.
Holiday Travel Packing Checklist
Keep a travel-friendly kit in your carry-on or personal bag. Include:
- Extra catheters (more than you think you’ll need)
- Antiseptic wipes or spray
- Disposable gloves
- Hand sanitizer
- Underpads or liners
- Waterproof bags for clean and used supplies
- Travel-sized lubricating jelly (if needed)
- Cooler bag (if your supplies need to be kept temperature stable)
- Small trash bags for clean disposal (doggy bags work great!)
Use hard cases or padded pouches to protect supplies from freezing in checked bags or parked cars.
UroStat Healthcare
When to Call Your Provider: Signs of a UTI
Sometimes, even with the best care, infections can still occur. If you or your loved one uses a catheter and experiences any of the following, contact your healthcare provider:
- Pain, burning, or discomfort during urination
- Cloudy, bloody, or strong-smelling urine
- Fever, chills, or fatigue
- Lower back or pelvic pain
- Unusual leakage or new discomfort at the insertion site
Always trust your gut — if something feels off, it’s worth checking.
Get Holiday-Ready with UroStat Healthcare
Before you hit the road (or host the in-laws), make sure you’re stocked up on the supplies that keep you feeling confident and comfortable.
UroStat Healthcare makes it easy with:
- Wide selection of catheters – including intermittent, external, and closed system options
- Fast, discreet delivery – right to your home, covered by insurance whenever possible
- Friendly, knowledgeable support – assistance with everything from ordering supplies to completing paperwork
- Pediatric and adult care expertise – personalized service for families and individuals living with incontinence or medical complexity
No last-minute pharmacy runs. No wondering if you have enough. Just peace of mind.
Celebrate Comfortably This Season
Memories shouldn’t be overshadowed by health worries. With a few extra supplies in your bag and a solid hygiene routine in your back pocket, you can travel, gather, and celebrate with confidence.
If you need help choosing the right catheter or want to make sure you have enough to get through the season, give us a call. We’ll make it easy.
- Call us at 1-888-845-8698 or
- Check your supply eligibility online