What happens on a young person's rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease journey?
Feeling unwell with sore throat and painful swollen joints
See a GP or other healthcare provider.
Admitted to hospital for tests if needed.
Diagnosed with rheumatic fever.
Receive information and education on rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.
Engage with social support services - cultural worker, social worker, 'Healthy Homes'.
Book a dental check up.
Have first bicillin injection.
First outpatient appointment with the rheumatic fever specialist.
Arrangements made for a bicillin injection every 21 or 28 days.
Returning to things you enjoy - school, work, sports and exercise.
Dental check ups every 6 months.
Flu immunisation once a year.
Follow up with rheumatic fever specialist every 1 to 3 years and follow up echocardiogram (if needed).
Rheumatic fever specialist says it's safe to stop having bicillin injections.
Ongoing follow up care with cardiology and other services.
The Rheumatic Fever & Rheumatic Heart Disease Journey Introduction
Taking Care Of My Child's Health After A Diagnosis Of Rheumatic Fever
A Young Person's Rheumatic Fever & Rheumatic Heart Disease Journey - In Pictures (You are here)
What Is Rheumatic Heart Disease?
How Will My Child’s Rheumatic Fever Be Managed?
What Other Ways Can I Look After My Child's Health After Rheumatic Fever?
When Can My Child Return To Doing The Things They Enjoy After Rheumatic Fever?
Will My Child Need Regular Medical Check-ups After Rheumatic Fever?
Looking After My Child's Mouth & Gums After Rheumatic Fever
Will Rheumatic Fever Affect My Child’s Ability To Have Children In The Future?
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.
References
Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease booklet (PDF, 9.94 MB). Te Whatu Ora - Counties Manukau, 2022.
