Will I Need Regular Medical Check-Ups After Rheumatic Fever?

Will I need regular medical check-ups?

Regular medical check-ups

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

Flu vaccine every year

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

Check any sore throat

If you have a sore throat, get it checked straight away. Always make sure you finish the antibiotics that have been prescribed for you.

Rheumatic fever specialist appointments

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

Who will be part of my rheumatic fever care team?

You will meet different healthcare professionals on your 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

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?

When can I return to doing the things I enjoy after rheumatic fever?

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

Looking after my mouth and gums after rheumatic fever

Wanting to plan to have a baby after rheumatic fever?