2. STOP SORE THROATS HURTING HEARTS

3. Rheumatic Fever is a serious illness caused by a sore throat (strep throat) is an inflammatory disease that causes the brain and joints to become inflamed and swollen can make children very sick and cause heart damage may mean a lifetime of feeling breathless and tired can be easily prevented by making sure every sore throat gets checked and treated straight away STOP SORE THROATS HURTING HEARTS 3

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

5. Who is most at-risk? Māori and Pacific families Aged 4 - 19 Families who have had rheumatic fever Families who live in houses with lots of people STOP SORE THROATS HURTING HEARTS 5

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

7. Symptoms of rheumatic fever Sore and swollen joints (knees, elbows, ankles and wrists) An on-going fever that lasts a few days They may also have stomach pains, extreme tiredness and unusual rash on their body 7 STOP SORE THROATS HURTING HEARTS

8. What can I do? If your child has a sore throat, get it checked by a doctor or nurse straight away 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 Look for the signs of a sore throat – your child may have difficulty swallowing, eating or drinking If your child has a strep throat make sure your child finishes all of the 10-day course of antibiotics 8

9. Treating Strep Throat A quick throat swab Child needs to take the full 10-day course of antibiotics 9

10. How to protect my family Good hand washing and drying Covering mouths when coughing and sneezing Tell your doctor or nurse if other people in your house have a sore throat Get every sore throat checked straight away – don’t wait, rheumatic fever can be prevented if caught early STOP SORE THROATS HURTING HEARTS 10

11. Resources for families Wallet card Family guide booklet Visual aid – shows the steps of rheumatic fever Inserts for newsletters Download from hpa.org.nz/rheumatic fever 11 STOP SORE THROATS HURTING HEARTS

12. More information Ask your doctor or nurse for more information about sore throats and rheumatic fever Visit hpa.org.nz/rheumatic fever Call Healthline 0800 611 116 STOP SORE THROATS HURTING HEARTS 12