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For free medical advice call Healthline 0800 611 116. Healthline provides a 24 hour, 7 days a week, over-the-phone health service. For emergencies call 111.  

Will my child need regular medical check-ups?

Regular medical check-ups

It's important that your child has regular medical check-ups with their doctor and other health professionals involved in their care.

Family sitting with doctor

 

Flu vaccine every year

Arrange for your child to get their flu vaccine every year in March or April. They can get this at their GP practice, Māori and Pacific immunisation providers and some pharmacies. It is free for your child if they have rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease and are at risk of becoming more unwell if they get the flu. 

Two friends with arms around eachother and a plaster on their arm

Check any sore throat

If your child has a sore throat, get it checked straight away. Always make sure they finish the antibiotics that have been prescribed for them.

Doctor swabbing someones throat for strep throat

Rheumatic fever specialist appointments

Make sure your child goes to their rheumatic fever specialist appointments when invited. Your child will receive an appointment when it is time to see the specialist (usually between 1 to 3 years). If you are unsure when your child should see them, ask your nurse or GP for more information. 

Family sitting with doctor

Who will be part of my child's rheumatic fever care team?

Your child will meet different healthcare professionals on their 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

The rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease journey introduction

Taking care of my child's health after a diagnosis of rheumatic fever

What is 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?

Will my child need regular medical check-ups after rheumatic fever? (You are here)

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
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