SORE THROATS MATTER

Rheumatic Fever 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

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

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

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

Reducing the risk for your school is easy Ask your students if they have sore throats – build checks into your schools’ daily routine Some schools have a throat swabbing clinic – refer children with sore throats No clinic? Notify family about the need for a health worker, doctor or nurse to check every sore throat.

What happens next? A quick throat swab Child needs to take the full 10-day course of antibiotics

Reducing the risk to your school community Good hand washing and drying Covering mouths when coughing and sneezing Don’t let children share water bottles, cups and toothbrushes SORE THROATS MATTER

Resources to help your school Posters Flyers Stickers Inserts for school newsletters Order or download from sorethroatsmatter.org.nz

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

Thanks to Ngati Hine Health Trust, the National Heart Foundation of New Zealand, Toi Te Ora, the National Hauora Coalition and Northland DHB for contributing images and information for this slideshow, which has been compiled by the Health Promotion Agency. Acknowledgements