Get bicillin injections on time
Make sure you get your bicillin injections on time. If you are going to be away for the next due date of your bicillin injection, please let the nurse know. They will make sure you are covered when you are away. If you are moving, don't forget to let your nurse know so they can make arrangements for you.
Regular exercise
Keep active and exercise. Your healthcare professional will give advice about this.
Eat good foods
Because rheumatic fever can affect the heart, it's important to protect your heart. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
If you have rheumatic heart disease, some foods may interfere with your medicine, particularly warfarin. Please check with your heart specialist (cardiologist).
Warfarin Guide For Rheumatic Heart Disease
Quit smoking and vaping
Don't smoke or vape. Encourage everyone in your whānau to quit smoking and vaping, especially around you.
The importance of warm, dry, healthy housing
Many illnesses, including acute rheumatic fever and respiratory tract infections, are linked to cold and damp homes that are poorly ventilated.
The 'Healthy Homes' initiative is a free service that can discuss your housing situation and give support if needed. They can help you create a warm, safe and dry home, which can help keep your whānau well.
For more information on the 'Healthy Homes' initiative, you could also talk to your nurse when you have your bicillin injection.
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? (You are here)
When can I return to doing the things I enjoy after rheumatic fever?
Will I need regular medical check-ups 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.
References
Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease booklet (PDF, 9.94 MB). Te Whatu Ora - Counties Manukau, 2022.
