KidsHealth NZ Will My Child Need Regular Medical Check-ups After Rheumatic Fever?
Will My Child Need Regular Medical Check-ups After Rheumatic Fever?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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?
This page last reviewed 13 October 2023.
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