Rheumatic Fever

Rheumatic fever is a systemic immune disease that affects the joints, skin, heart, blood, vessels, and brain.

• Rheumatic fever may develop after your child is infected with strep throat or scarlet fever
• Rheumatic fever is very rare in the U.S. and can be prevented by the prompt diagnosis and treatment (with antibiotics) of strep throat

How Boston Children's Hospital approaches rheumatic fever:

Your child's treatment may include a course of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and a period of bed rest (often between two and twelve weeks).