What should you know about tonsillitis and fever?

Tonsillitis inflames the tonsils and may cause a sore throat, painful swallowing, swollen neck glands, earache, and fever. Viral illnesses are common causes, while bacteria such as Strep Throat can produce a similar picture. Fever is a response to illness rather than a diagnosis, so the temperature reading should be considered alongside the person’s breathing, fluid intake, alertness, throat appearance, and overall course.

A fever with tonsillitis does not mean that the infection is bacterial, and a tonsil infection can occur without fever. Children may become quiet or feed poorly before they can describe throat pain. Record changes in symptoms and any medicine given so the clinician has a clear timeline.

Offer frequent drinks and watch for signs of dehydration such as very dark urine, passing urine less often, dry mouth, or unusual sleepiness. Soft foods, rest, and cool drinks may make swallowing easier. Use a suitable fever or pain medicine only as directed on the label or by a clinician; do not combine products that contain the same ingredient. Keep the person home while unwell and avoid sharing utensils. A GP Consultation can help when fever persists or the diagnosis is uncertain.

Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, severe drowsiness, confusion, a stiff neck, a seizure, or rapidly worsening throat swelling. Obtain prompt medical advice if fluids cannot be kept down, dehydration is developing, the person has a weakened immune system, or symptoms worsen after seeming to improve. A clinician may decide whether Antibiotic Treatment is appropriate after examination or testing; do not use antibiotics without advice.

Ask what may be causing the fever, whether the tonsils need testing, how to measure and manage symptoms safely, and which changes require urgent review. If a child is ill, ask how their drinking, urination, behaviour, and breathing should be monitored.