Virale tonsillitis: what should you know?

The tonsils may look red and swollen, with pain when swallowing, a scratchy throat, fever, tiredness and tender glands in the neck. Earache can occur because throat and ear nerves share nearby pathways; it does not necessarily mean an ear infection. Cough, runny nose or hoarseness may support a viral cause. Strep throat can produce similar throat symptoms, so appearance alone cannot reliably separate the conditions.

Rest, drink fluids regularly and choose soft foods if swallowing hurts. Warm drinks, cool liquids or ice lollies may soothe the throat. Follow package directions for a suitable pain or fever medicine, and avoid giving children products that are not age-appropriate. Wash hands, do not share cups or cutlery, and replace a toothbrush after recovery if your clinician advises it. A GP consultation can clarify the cause when symptoms are severe or persistent.

Get urgent help for difficulty breathing, drooling because you cannot swallow, severe one-sided throat pain, a muffled voice, inability to open the mouth, dehydration or rapidly increasing neck swelling. Arrange medical review for a persistent high fever, worsening pain, a rash, repeated episodes or symptoms that are not improving. Do not start antibiotic treatment without an assessment.

Ask whether testing for strep throat is needed, which symptom medicines suit you, how long to avoid close contact, and what changes should trigger review. Tell the clinician about swallowing difficulty, earache, fever, swollen glands, allergies and recent antibiotic use.