A video about the importance of getting your child's sore throat checked for strep throat as this can lead to rheumatic fever.
Source: Ministry of Health
Where to get your child's sore throat checked
There are lots of places you can get a sore throat checked.
Your GP practice
You can go to your usual GP practice and see a health professional there. You may have to pay a fee - you can phone ahead to check. Let the receptionist know you have a child with a sore throat, just in case they have nurses available to respond quickly.
Your child's school
Your child's school may have a free sore throat checking programme. Contact the school to find out.
Healthline
You can also call Healthline on 0800 611 116 if you have any immediate concerns about your child's sore throat.
Healthline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 611 116. Call Healthline if you need advice about a child of any age who is unwell, hurt, or has any symptoms of sickness. It's free to callers throughout New Zealand, including from a mobile phone.
Antibiotics for sore throats
If your child is given antibiotics, it's important they take the full 10-day course, even if they feel better. The antibiotics are to stop the sore throat turning into rheumatic fever.
Keeping your home warm and dry
Keep your home warm and dry, and create as much space as possible to spread out around your home (rather than having to crowd in the same room).
Having more warm rooms and more sleeping spaces available means germs like strep throat are less likely to spread.
For tips that can make your home cheaper to heat and more comfortable to live in, see 'Keeping your home warm and dry'. Even following just a couple of will help protect your family from health problems.
