When can my child return to doing the things they enjoy?
Taking it easy at first
As your child recovers from acute rheumatic fever, you might find that they become tired easily or their joints are still painful. Encourage them to take it easy and pace themselves.
Your child's rheumatic fever specialist, nurse and GP will be able to guide you on when they can return to their everyday activities and things they enjoy.
Sports and exercise
When your child has been sick and not exercising or moving around much, their body will need time to return to its normal exercise levels.
Your child's healthcare professionals will be able to give you advice that is specific to your child's situation. It all depends on how severe the rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease is. It also depends on the impact it has had on their heart.
What questions can I ask my child's rheumatic fever care team about exercise?
If you want to know more about when your child can return to exercise, you can ask your child's rheumatic fever specialist, nurse or GP, the following questions:
- when can my child start light exercise?
- what does light exercise include?
- when can my child do higher-intensity strength and cardio exercise?
- what higher-intensity strength and cardio exercises does this include?
- when can my child return to playing sports?
- what sports can my child play?
Other parts of the journey
The rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease journey introduction
Taking care of my child's health after a diagnosis of rheumatic fever
A young person's rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease journey in pictures
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? (You are here)
Will my child need regular medical check-ups after rheumatic fever?
Looking after my child's mouth and 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.
