What should you know about viral tonsillitis?

The tonsils sit at the back of the throat and help detect germs entering through the mouth and nose. During a viral infection they can become swollen, red, and painful. You may also have a sore throat, fever, cough, runny nose, tiredness, or tender glands in the neck. An earache can occur because throat inflammation may be felt in the ear. Tonsillitis is a description of inflamed tonsils rather than proof of one particular germ; bacterial infections such as strep throat can cause a similar picture.

Take frequent sips of water or another suitable drink and choose foods that are easy to swallow. Rest your voice and avoid smoke or other throat irritants. Warm liquids, cool drinks, or ice lollies may provide temporary comfort. If you can take them safely, use paracetamol or ibuprofen according to the label and ask a pharmacist about children’s formulations. Do not share drinking bottles or utensils while ill, and wash your hands often. Antibiotics do not help a viral infection unless a clinician identifies a bacterial reason for prescribing them.

Contact a GP if pain is not settling, fever continues, symptoms keep returning, or swallowing fluids becomes difficult. Get urgent help for breathing difficulty, drooling, inability to swallow, a rapidly enlarging neck or throat swelling, a muffled voice, or severe one-sided pain. A GP can assess [Tonsillitis](/conditions/tonsillitis/) and consider whether [Strep Throat](/conditions/strep-throat/) or another illness needs testing.

Ask what findings support a viral cause, whether you need a throat test, and how to manage pain if you take other medicines. Clarify how much fluid is enough for you, when you can resume normal activities, and which symptoms mean you should return for review.