Free Sore Throat Checks
Due to the risk of developing rheumatic fever, Māori and Pacific tamariki and rangatahi aged 4 to 19 should get checked every time they have a sore throat.
Checks are free and if tamariki and rangatahi have a sore throat which could be strep throat, they will be given free antibiotics to clear up the infection before it can develop into rheumatic fever.
A full course of antibiotics is 10 days. It is important they take the full course of antibiotics, even if they feel better. This makes it much less likely that strep throat will lead to rheumatic fever, which can cause serious complications and typically requires hospital treatment.
Pop in, or call us to arrange getting a free check for your tamariki or rnagatahi if they have a sore thorat.
If you have any questions about sore throat checks, or the risk or rheumatic fever, come in and see us at Clive's Chemist, or give healthline a call.
Rheumatic Fever
Rheumatic fever is a serious but potentially preventable illness that often starts with a sore throat or a skin infection. Without treatment, these can cause rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can go on to damage your heart — this is called rheumatic heart disease.
What causes rheumatic fever
Rheumatic fever is a type of autoimmune disease. It occurs when your body's immune system attacks healthy tissues and organs while it is trying to fight off an infection. It is commonly triggered by strep throat — a type of bacterial throat infection, or by a strep skin infection.
In some tamariki and rangatahi, the immune system response to strep infections affects other parts of their body, including their heart, skin, joints, and brain, causing the symptoms of rheumatic fever. Why this happens in some people and not others is unclear. There is no test that tells us who will have this immune response and who will not.
Find out more about the risk of acute rheumatic fever and our sore throat service in this short video from Zach, one of our dispensary team.
More About Strep Infections
How bacterial strep infections spread
The bacterial strep infection which can cause rheumatic fever spreads from person to person through:
coughing and sneezing
contact with strep germs on the skin
contact with strep germs on contaminated surfaces and objects, such as drinking bottles, shared cutlery, and bedding.
If you do not have symptoms you can still potentially spread the infection to others.
A sore throat is the main symptom of strep throat. In young children signs of a sore throat can include:
finding it hard to swallow
having trouble eating or drinking.
If you have a skin infection from the strep germ it can cause:
itchy red skin with blisters that crust and scab (usually around the nose, mouth or legs)
redness, warmth, swelling and tenderness or painful skin.
It is important to get sore throats and skin infections in children checked so they do not lead to rheumatic fever.
Preventing strep germs spreading
To avoid strep germs spreading you should also:
avoid sharing drink bottles, food or knives and forks, or pre-chewing your baby's food — this can pass strep germs from one person to another
avoid preparing food for others while unwell or if you have a skin infection, if possible
cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, throw away the tissue afterwards, wash and dry your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Our Opening Hours
Monday - Thursday
9.00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9.00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Contact us
Phone: 04 564 8618
Fax: 04 564 5886
Email: dispensary@clives.co.nz
20-21 Queen Street
Wainuiomata
Wellington
New Zealand
