2. SORE THROATS MATTER

3. Rheumatic fever SORE THROATS MATTER
is a serious disease caused by a strep throat
can make children very sick and cause heart damage
may mean a lifetime of feeling breathless and tired
can shorten life
SORE THROATS MATTER

4. Rheumatic fever SORE THROATS MATTER
New Zealand still has high rates of rheumatic fever
In [name of region] [X] cases [relevant local info]
SORE THROATS MATTER

5. Who is most at-risk? SORE THROATS MATTER
Māori and Pacific families/whānau
Aged 5 – 20
Families/whānau who have had rheumatic fever
Families/whānau who live in houses with lots of people
SORE THROATS MATTER

6. How does rheumatic fever affect the body?
Acute rheumatic fever
affects 3 organ systems
Brain
Heart
Joints (arthritis)

7. What can I do?
If your child has a sore throat, get it checked by a health worker, nurse or doctor
Some schools do throat checks – ask your school
Ask your children to tell you when they have a sore throat so you can get it checked
If your child has a strep throat make sure your child finishes the 10-day course of antibiotics

8. Treating strep throat A quick throat swab
Take the full 10-day course of antibiotics

9. How to protect my whānau
Good hand washing and drying
Covering mouths when coughing and sneezing
Don’t share water bottles, cups and toothbrushes
Tell the health worker if other people in your house have a sore throat
SORE THROATS MATTER

10. More information SORE THROATS MATTER
Ask a health worker or health centre for more information about sore throats and rheumatic fever
Visit sorethroatsmatter.org.nz
Call Healthline
SORE THROATS MATTER

11. Acknowledgements
Thanks to the Ngati Hine Health Trust, National Coordination Service, National Heart Foundation of New Zealand, Toi Te Ora, and the National Hauora Coalition for contributing images and information for this slideshow.