What should you know about strep tonsillitis?

The tonsils can become red, enlarged and coated with white patches or pus. A sore throat may make swallowing uncomfortable, while fever, headache, tiredness, earache or tender glands in the neck can occur. These features overlap with viral infections, so symptoms alone cannot confirm strep. A clinician may examine your throat and decide whether testing is appropriate.

Strep throat is the infection behind some cases of tonsillitis; see the related explanations for [Strep Throat](/conditions/strep-throat/) and [Tonsillitis](/conditions/tonsillitis/).

Rest, drink fluids regularly and choose soft foods if swallowing hurts. Warm drinks or cool foods may soothe the throat. Use only age-appropriate pain or fever medicine according to the label or a clinician’s advice, and do not share prescribed medicine. If strep is confirmed or strongly suspected, a clinician may discuss [Antibiotic Treatment](/treatments/medical-management/antibiotic-treatment/). Take treatment exactly as directed and complete the prescribed course.

A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can clarify whether your symptoms need examination or testing. Wash hands, avoid sharing cups and cover coughs to reduce spread while you are unwell.

Arrange medical advice if throat pain is severe, symptoms are worsening, fever persists, or you cannot keep fluids down. Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, marked one-sided throat swelling, a muffled voice, confusion or signs of dehydration. These symptoms can signal a complication requiring prompt assessment.

Ask whether the tonsils look more consistent with strep or a viral illness, whether a throat test is needed, which pain-relief options suit you, and when it is safe to return to close contact or shared activities.