Will I need regular medical check-ups?
Regular medical check-ups
It's important that you have regular medical check-ups with your doctor and other health professionals involved in your care.
Flu vaccine every year
Arrange to get your flu vaccine every year in March or April. You can get this at your GP practice, Māori and Pacific immunisation providers and some pharmacies. It is free for you if you have rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease and are at risk of becoming more unwell if you get the flu.
Check any sore throat
If you have a sore throat, get it checked straight away. Always make sure you finish the antibiotics that have been prescribed for you.
Rheumatic fever specialist appointments
Make sure you go to your rheumatic fever specialist appointments when invited. You will receive an appointment when it is time to see the specialist (usually between 1 to 3 years). If you are unsure when you should see them, ask your nurse or GP for more information.
Who will be part of my rheumatic fever care team?
You will meet different healthcare professionals on your rheumatic fever journey. Some of those may include:
- rheumatic fever specialist
- cardiologist (heart specialist)
- rheumatic fever nurse specialist
- social worker or a cultural support worker
- GP
- cardiology nurse
- community support worker
Other parts of the journey
My rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease journey introduction
Checklist - going home from hospital after my rheumatic fever
Taking care of my health after a diagnosis of rheumatic fever
What exactly is rheumatic fever?
My rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease journey in pictures
What exactly is rheumatic heart disease?
How will my rheumatic fever be managed?
What other ways can I look after my health after rheumatic fever?
When can I return to doing the things I enjoy after rheumatic fever?
Will I need regular medical check-ups after rheumatic fever? (You are here)
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.
