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.
Parts of the journey
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.
Taking Care Of My Child’s Health After A Diagnosis Of Rheumatic Fever
Rheumatic fever is a sickness that happens in some people after they have a Streptococcal (strep) germ.
Follow the journey in pictures - from the first signs of the sickness to ongoing follow up care.
A Young Person's Rheumatic Fever & Rheumatic Heart Disease Journey - In Pictures
When rheumatic fever affects the heart, this is called rheumatic heart disease.
What Is Rheumatic Heart Disease?
Your child needs regular bicillin injections after a diagnosis of rheumatic fever.
How Will My Child’s Rheumatic Fever Be Managed?
Exercise, a healthy diet and a smoke-free environment are part of keeping well after rheumatic fever.
What Other Ways Can I Look After My Child's Health After Rheumatic Fever?
Your child's healthcare team will guide you on when it's OK to return to physical activity after rheumatic fever.
When Can My Child Return To Doing The Things They Enjoy After Rheumatic Fever?
It's important that your child has regular medical check-ups with the health professionals involved in their care.
Will My Child Need Regular Medical Check-ups After Rheumatic Fever?
It's important that your child has regular check-ups with a dentist every 6 to 12 months after rheumatic fever.
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.
Will Rheumatic Fever Affect My Child’s Ability To Have Children In The Future?
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.
If you are a young person with rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease check out the link below:
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.
