What is a key component of managing rheumatic fever?

Managing rheumatic fever primarily involves the prompt identification and confirmation of the diagnosis, which is crucial for the initiation of appropriate treatment and prevention of further complications. Hospital admission allows healthcare providers to monitor the patient's condition closely, manage symptoms, and administer necessary treatments such as antibiotics to eradicate any streptococcal infection and potentially anti-inflammatory medications to control inflammation and protect the heart.

Confirming the diagnosis through clinical assessment and possibly echocardiography (to assess for carditis) is essential in guiding the management plan. By doing so, healthcare professionals can address the acute symptoms effectively and establish a long-term strategy for secondary prevention, which typically includes regular follow-up and prophylactic antibiotics to prevent recurrent rheumatic fever.

The other options provide different approaches that may not be immediately beneficial or relevant in the acute management of rheumatic fever. Immediate surgery is rarely indicated unless there are severe complications, regular physical therapy may be beneficial later in recovery, and herbal remedies lack scientific evidence to substantiate their role in managing this condition.