The Rheumatic Fever & Rheumatic Heart Disease Journey
The Rheumatic Fever & Rheumatic Heart Disease Journey
This information is for parents and whānau. It's designed to help you and your whānau navigate the journey ahead after your child has been diagnosed with rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease. You can review this information with the health professionals caring for your child.
A young person's 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.
For a version for rangatahi (young people), see 'My rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease journey'.
Parts of the journey
Taking care of my child's health after a diagnosis of rheumatic fever
Rheumatic fever can happen again and again, so it's important to take care of your child's health after they're diagnosed with rheumatic fever. Find out more ...
Rheumatic fever is a sickness that happens in some people after they have a Streptococcal (strep) germ. Find out more ...
A young person's 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 is rheumatic heart disease?
When rheumatic fever affects the heart, this is called rheumatic heart disease. Find out more ...
How will my child's rheumatic fever be managed?
Your child needs regular bicillin injections after a diagnosis of rheumatic fever. Find out more ...
What other ways can I look after my child's 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 my child return to doing the things they enjoy after rheumatic fever?
Your child's healthcare team will guide you on when it's OK to return to physical activity after rheumatic fever. Find out more ...
Will my child need regular medical check-ups after rheumatic fever?
It's important that your child has regular medical check-ups with the health professionals involved in their care. Find out more ...
Looking after my child's mouth and gums after rheumatic fever
It's important that your child has regular check-ups with a dentist every 6 to 12 months after rheumatic fever. Find out more ...
Will rheumatic fever affect my child's ability to have children in the future?
Rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease does not mean that someone won't be able to get pregnant or have a healthy baby in the future. Find out more ...
This page last reviewed 13 October 2023.
Do you have any feedback for KidsHealth?
If you have any feedback about the KidsHealth website, or have a suggestion for new content, please get in touch with us.
Email us now