My Rheumatic Fever & Rheumatic Heart Disease Journey - In Pictures

My Rheumatic Fever & Rheumatic Heart Disease Journey - In Pictures

This information is for rangatahi (young people) with rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease. It's designed to help you and your whānau navigate the journey ahead after your diagnosis.

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What happens on my 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)

Your 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

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 (You are here)

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?

Looking after my mouth and gums after rheumatic fever

Wanting to plan to have a baby after rheumatic fever?

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.

This page last reviewed 13 October 2023.

Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 any time of the day or night for free health advice when you need it