Don’t Ignore a Sore Throat: Understanding Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease
A sore throat is one of the most common reasons people feel unwell, particularly during the colder months.
Most sore throats get better without serious complications. But certain bacterial throat infections can require treatment—and, in some cases, an untreated Group A Streptococcus infection can trigger a serious condition known as rheumatic fever.
That is why Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease Awareness Week, observed from 1–7 August, encourages South Africans to pay closer attention to persistent or concerning sore throats.
What Is Rheumatic Fever?
Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory condition that can develop following an infection with Group A Streptococcus bacteria.
These bacteria are one of the causes of bacterial throat infections commonly referred to as “strep throat”.
Rheumatic fever is caused by an abnormal immune response following the infection and can affect several parts of the body, including the joints, skin, nervous system and heart.
It occurs most commonly in children and young people, although people of other ages can also be affected.
How Does a Sore Throat Lead to Rheumatic Fever?
Not every sore throat is caused by bacteria.
In fact, many sore throats are caused by viruses and will improve without antibiotics.
The difficulty is that it isn’t always possible to tell what is causing a sore throat simply by how it feels.
When a throat infection is caused by Group A Streptococcus, appropriate diagnosis and treatment are important because rheumatic fever can develop after the original infection. The inflammatory illness may appear several weeks after the throat infection itself.
This is one reason persistent or severe sore throats—particularly in children—shouldn’t automatically be dismissed.
Signs a Sore Throat May Need Medical Attention
A mild scratchy throat alongside a runny nose or cough will often resolve on its own.
However, consider speaking to a healthcare professional if a sore throat is accompanied by:
- A high or persistent fever
- Significant difficulty swallowing
- Very painful or swollen tonsils
- Swollen or painful glands in the neck
- A rash
- Symptoms that are getting worse rather than improving
- A child who appears unusually unwell or lethargic
- Recurrent throat infections
Seek urgent medical care if someone has difficulty breathing, cannot swallow liquids, is drooling because they cannot swallow, becomes severely dehydrated or deteriorates rapidly.
What Are the Symptoms of Rheumatic Fever?
Rheumatic fever doesn’t normally begin at exactly the same time as the sore throat.
Symptoms can appear after the original infection has improved.
Possible symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Painful or swollen joints
- Unusual tiredness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
- Skin changes or rash
- Uncontrolled or jerky movements
Because rheumatic fever can involve the heart, suspected cases require proper medical assessment.
What Is Rheumatic Heart Disease?
One of the most serious complications of rheumatic fever is damage to the valves of the heart.
This is known as rheumatic heart disease.
Repeated episodes of rheumatic fever can cause cumulative damage to heart valves over time. South African primary healthcare research continues to identify recurrent or untreated streptococcal throat infections and repeated rheumatic fever episodes as key contributors to rheumatic heart disease.
Preventing the initial infection from progressing and preventing repeat episodes are therefore extremely important.
Does Every Sore Throat Need Antibiotics?
No.
Antibiotics treat bacterial infections; they don’t treat viral infections.
Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can contribute to antibiotic resistance and may cause unwanted side effects.
A healthcare professional will assess your symptoms, medical history and risk factors and determine whether additional testing or antibiotic treatment is appropriate.
Never use leftover antibiotics or medication prescribed for someone else.
Simple Ways to Reduce the Spread of Throat Infections
Many respiratory and throat infections spread through close contact and respiratory droplets.
Helpful habits include:
- Washing your hands regularly
- Covering coughs and sneezes
- Avoiding sharing drinking glasses or eating utensils
- Staying home when significantly unwell
- Cleaning frequently touched surfaces
- Encouraging children to wash their hands regularly
These simple measures can help reduce the spread of many common infections.
How TruMD Can Help
Not sure whether a sore throat needs medical attention?
Through TruMD, you can consult with a qualified healthcare professional online to discuss your symptoms.
During your consultation, your healthcare provider can assess factors such as:
- How long you’ve been unwell
- Whether you have a fever
- Other symptoms you’re experiencing
- Your medical history
- Whether symptoms suggest that further testing may be needed
Where an in-person throat examination, testing or urgent medical care is necessary, your healthcare professional can advise you on the appropriate next step.
Don’t Simply Ignore a Persistent Sore Throat
Most sore throats aren’t a reason to panic.
But awareness matters.
Recognising symptoms that warrant medical attention and treating bacterial infections appropriately can help prevent complications.
This Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease Awareness Week, remember that something as ordinary as a sore throat deserves attention when symptoms are severe, persistent or unusual.
Not Sure About Your Symptoms?
If you or your child has a persistent sore throat, fever or other symptoms that concern you, TruMD makes it easy to speak with a qualified healthcare professional online.
Getting medical advice early can help you understand what you’re dealing with—and what to do next.
