Rheumatic fever: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for:

   • Severe difficulty breathing
   • Fainting with chest symptoms or a very fast heartbeat
   • Blue, grey or unusually pale lips or skin
   • Sudden facial drooping, arm weakness or difficulty speaking
   • Severe chest pain or signs of collapse

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Arrange prompt medical assessment if you or your child develops fever, moving joint pain, unusual uncontrolled movements, breathlessness or a racing heartbeat after a recent sore throat, scarlet fever or suspected strep infection.

   These symptoms have several possible causes and need proper assessment rather than self-diagnosis.

   Seek urgent medical advice if someone with current or previous rheumatic fever develops worsening breathlessness, new swelling of the legs or abdomen, persistent palpitations, chest discomfort or a clear reduction in exercise ability.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Routine follow-up is still important when there are no symptoms.

   Attend planned heart checks, echocardiograms and preventive antibiotic appointments.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Rheumatic fever. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.