What happens on a young person's rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease journey?
Feeling unwell with sore throat and painful swollen joints
See a GP or other healthcare provider
Admitted to hospital for tests if needed
Diagnosed with rheumatic fever
Receive information and education on rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease
Engage with social support services - cultural worker, social worker, 'Healthy Homes'
Book dental check up
Have first bicillin injection
First outpatient appointment with the rheumatic fever specialist
Arrangements made for a bicillin injection every 21 or 28 days
Returning to things you enjoy - school, work, sports and exercise
Dental check ups every 6 months
Flu immunisation once a year
Follow up with rheumatic fever specialist every 1 to 3 years and follow up echocardiogram (if needed)
Rheumatic fever specialist says it's safe to stop having bicillin injections
Ongoing follow up care with cardiology and other services
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 (you are here)
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?
Will my child need regular medical check-ups?
Looking after your child’s mouth and gums
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.
