My Rheumatic Fever & Rheumatic Heart Disease Journey

My Rheumatic Fever & Rheumatic Heart Disease Journey

This information is for rangatahi (young people) with rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease. It's designed to help you and your whānau navigate the journey ahead after your diagnosis. You can review this information with the health professionals caring for you.

Images from the rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease booklet produced by the Rheumatic Fever Project Team, Te Whatu Ora - Counties Manukau in conjunction with RHD Queensland Australia.

Rheumatic fever booklet cover and image of people

Share

My rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease journey

Click on the links below to see the parts of the rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease journey.

Parts of the journey

Checklist - going home from hospital after my rheumatic fever

Find out what you need to know before going home and leaving hospital. Find out more ...

Taking care of my health after a diagnosis of rheumatic fever

Rheumatic fever can happen again and again, so it's important to take care of your health after you're diagnosed with rheumatic fever. Find out more ...

What exactly is rheumatic fever?

Rheumatic fever is a sickness that happens in some people after they have a Streptococcal (strep) germ. Find out more ...

My rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease journey in pictures

Follow the journey in pictures - from the first signs of the sickness to ongoing follow up care. Find out more ...

What exactly is rheumatic heart disease?

When rheumatic fever affects the heart, this is called rheumatic heart disease. Find out more ...

How will my rheumatic fever be managed?

You need regular bicillin injections after a diagnosis of rheumatic fever. Find out more ...

What other ways can I look after my health after rheumatic fever?

Exercise, a healthy diet and a smoke-free environment are part of keeping well after rheumatic fever. Find out more ...

When can I return to doing the things I enjoy after rheumatic fever?

Your healthcare team will guide you on when it's OK to return to physical activity after rheumatic fever. Find out more ...

Will I need regular medical check-ups after rheumatic fever?

It's important that you have regular medical check-ups with the health professionals involved in your care. Find out more ...

Looking after my mouth and gums after rheumatic fever

It's important that you have regular check-ups with a dentist every 6 to 12 months after rheumatic fever. Find out more ...

Wanting to plan to have a baby after rheumatic fever?

Rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease does not mean you won't be able to get pregnant or have a healthy baby in the future. Find out more ...

Acknowledgements

This information is adapted from the rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease booklet produced by the Rheumatic Fever Project Team, Te Whatu Ora - Counties Manukau, 2022.

This page last reviewed 13 October 2023.

Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 any time of the day or night for free health advice when you need it