Is Tonsillitis Contagious?

Is Tonsillitis Contagious?
Submitted and Medically Reviewed By: Richard Honaker M.D.

Overview

Tonsillitis: how to deal when your mouth’s first line of defense becomes inflamed.

Is tonsillitis contagious? Read more to find the answers!

Once common on the chopping block in childhood, tonsils are making a comeback in modern mouths. After all, those oval mounds of tissue are one of your body’s best lines of defense. But even the best bodyguards can get inflamed. Check out our guide to keeping your tonsils healthy and whether or not your sore throat can actually be contagious.

What are Tonsils?

Tonsils are the small oval mounds of flesh that live on either side of the back of your throat. While many people may have had their tonsils removed in childhood, they do serve an important purpose in your body.

Tonsils act as one of the first lines of defense for your immune system. These glands act as part of the immune system to filter out bacteria and viral organisms that enter the body through the nose or mouth.

Viral and Bacterial Infection

Unfortunately, even this line of defense is not immune to these viral or bacterial organisms. When your tonsils become infected they can become inflamed. This is called tonsillitis.

Similar to infections of the throat, most of the illnesses are caused by a viral organism. Viral infections include cold and flu (influenza) and do not require antibiotics in order to heal.

It is important to recognize the distinction between the two because viral and bacterial infections need to be addressed quite differently.

Throat Infection vs Irritation

Waking up with a familiar painful sensation at the back of the throat is often the first sign of illness. But how do you determine what type of infection you have?

If the pain is mild and does not persist, you could be experiencing a mild throat irritation. There are several factors-both environmental and behavioral- that can cause pain in the throat. These factors include:

  • Cigarette smoke
  • Dryness in the air
  • Long periods of talking, singing, or yelling
  • Inflammation from postnasal drip
  • Mouth breathing
  • An allergic reaction to pollen, dust, or pet dander
  • Chemical cleaners
Chat With a Doctor and get a prescription for tonsillitis

Viral Throat Infection

A sore throat is often the first sign of an oncoming cold or flu. When the painful symptom is associated with this type of virus is it often short-lived and fairly mild. You will also notice that the sore throat will be replaced by other cold and flu symptoms such as a cough or runny nose.

Viral infections will often resolve on their own without any medical intervention. This is one reason why it is important to learn the distinction. Viral infections respond best to rest and home remedies and most often do not require a trip to the doctor’s office. This is good to know since you are at your most contagious two days after contracting a viral infection. Americans experience over 1 billion colds each year and public places, such as doctor’s offices, are hot spots for viral organisms.

Viral Throat Infection -Symptoms and Signs

Different viruses affect the body in different ways. In general, when you have a sore throat associated with a viral infection you are likely to experience one or more of the following symptoms.

  • Pain or a scratchy sensation in the back of the throat when swallowing or talking
  • Your voice may sound hoarse or muffled
  • Your tonsils (if intact) may appear red, swollen, and may have white spots
  • The glands in your neck and jaw may be swollen

Bacterial Throat Infections

On the other hand, bacterial throat infections do require antibiotics. The most common bacteria to cause a bacterial infection is Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A streptococcus, which causes strep throat.

An easy way to self-diagnose a bacterial infection is to ask yourself two questions: have you had a fever in the last 24 hours and do you have a cough?

These questions fueled a study that aimed to marry the answers to the two questions with real-time numbers of infections in the area to develop a self-diagnosing app. While the technology has yet to be realized, the study was able to produce overwhelming results.

In the study, 90 percent of patients shown to be “low-risk” based on the test questions also had negative clinical strep test results.

One of the reasons for the test accuracy is because bacterial throat infections, such as strep throat, do not cause a cough. The presence of a cough is an easy way to determine that the sore throat is caused by a viral infection.

While a fever may be present in a viral infection, it is always present in bacterial throat infection. By asking yourself these two questions, you can save yourself unnecessary trips to the doctor’s office.

Worried about your throat pain? Chat with one of our doctors for free.

Another clear indication of a bacterial infection is the amount of pain caused by the condition. A sore throat associated with a viral infection is usually short-lived and mild or moderate. A sore throat caused by a bacterial infection can be severe.

Causes of Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is caused when your tonsils also become infected and inflamed. When examining the throat, a doctor may notice that your tonsils have become swollen, red or have white dots on them.

Staph infections can also occur in the throat. While this type of infection is often associated with the skin, it can also affect the tonsils. In fact, staphylococcal bacteria (the type of bacteria that causes staph infections) is classified among the deadliest of all disease-causing organisms since the 20th century.

This type of bacteria could be living inside your nose or in your mouth right now. While not all people all carriers, this type of bacteria lives  20 to 30 percent of healthy people. You may be a constant carrier of this bacteria, an intermittent carrier or it may never reside on or in your body.

When this type of bacteria enters the body, it creates its trademark abscesses under the skin’s surface. When it is found in the throat, these abscesses often form on the tonsils. Often these abscesses will fill with pus and intermittently burst, further spreading the infection.

What is the Difference Between Strep Throat and Tonsillitis?

Strep throat and tonsillitis are not the same infections although it is possible to have both at the same time. While strep throat can only be caused by streptococcus, tonsillitis can be caused by a number of different viruses or bacteria including:

  • Epstein-Barr virus (mononucleosis)
  • herpes simplex virus
  • influenza virus
  • parainfluenza virus
  • adenovirus
  • enterovirus
  • cytomegalovirus,
  • measles virus
Do you have a Strep Throat? Talk to our doctor and get a prescription

Is Tonsillitis Contagious?

Erupting abscesses can further spread the infection inside your mouth, but you can also spread the infection to others around you. Tonsillitis is spread by direct contact with an infected person.

When a person with tonsillitis coughs or sneezes respiratory droplets will be carried in the air and can infect those in the approximate area.

  • If the tonsillitis is caused by a viral infection, the individual will be contagious for about 7-10 days.
  • When tonsillitis is caused by an untreated bacterial infection the individual could be contagious for up to two weeks. 
  • If the tonsillitis is caused by a bacterial infection, the person will likely stop being contagious after being on antibiotics for about 24 hours. At this point, it is likely safe for the person to return to school or work.

Also read about Tonsillitis stones.

How to Prevent the Spread of Tonsillitis?

Preventing the spread of an illness is a combination of good personal hygiene and avoiding public spaces when contagious. Here are a few best practices:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water often
  • Do not share drinks or personal items
  • Use a tissue or your arm if you have to sneeze or cough
  • Avoid public places when your infection is contagious

Can you get tonsillitis without tonsils?

Tonsils at the back of your throat can become inflamed due to an infection. The infection is called tonsillitis. Although it is a common childhood illness, other age groups can also be affected. Tonsillitis and pharyngitis are both throat infections that result in inflammation. If tonsils are affected, it is termed tonsillitis. If the throat is involved, it is referred to as pharyngitis. In the absence of tonsils or after your tonsils are removed, you cannot get tonsillitis but still get strep throat. 

Signs and Symptoms of Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis can affect anyone with intact tonsils but is most commonly seen in children between the ages of five and 15. Common signs and symptoms of tonsillitis include:

  • Sore throat
  • Difficult or painful swallowing
  • Fever
  • Tonsils that appear red and swollen
  • Tonsils may appear to have a white or yellow coating, dots or patches
  • Your voice may sound hoarse, scratchy or muffled
  • The glands in your neck may be tender or swollen
  • Headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Bad breath
  • Stomachache, particularly in younger children

If your child is not verbal, look for the following cues:

  • Refusal to eat
  • Drooling due to difficult or painful swallowing
  • Unusual fussiness

When to Speak to a Doctor

While viral tonsillitis will resolve itself without any medical intervention, bacterial tonsillitis requires antibiotics. If you suspect the latter it is important to speak to your healthcare practitioner.

Signs that you need to contact a doctor:

  • A sore throat that doesn’t go away within 24 to 48 hours
  • Painful or difficult swallowing
  • Extreme weakness, fatigue or fussiness

Get immediate care if your child has any of these symptoms:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Extreme difficulty swallowing
  • Drooling

Diagnosing Tonsillitis

Diagnosing tonsillitis is very similar to strep throat. Your healthcare practitioner will examine your throat and tonsils to look for signs of inflammation or infection. They will likely check the glands in your neck and jaw area to look for signs of swelling as well as take your temperature.

A throat culture may be taken to check for signs of strep. Many quick strep tests can report results quickly. A negative result may require further lab examination to determine what organism is causing the symptoms.

Treatment of Tonsillitis

Treatment of tonsillitis includes the following and depends on the condition of the patient:

  • Home Remedies
  • Antibiotics
  • Surgery

Most cases of viral tonsillitis will resolve themselves without any medical intervention. While antibiotics are not required for viral infections, there are many ways to naturally encourage healing and manage the symptoms. Some home remedies for viral tonsillitis include:

  • Mild over-the-counter pain relievers (Aspirin is not recommended for those under 18)
  • Drinking warm liquids to soothe the throat
  • Enjoy cold treats to numb the irritation such as popsicles
  • Children older than four can find relief by sucking on lozenges
  • Get plenty of rest
  • Drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration

Bacterial Tonsillitis

How long does it take to get rid of tonsillitis?

Unlike a viral infection, bacterial tonsillitis will require a round of antibiotics to help the body heal. While you may feel better about 24-48 hours after beginning antibiotics, it is important to finish your entire dose.

Tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy is the term used for the surgical removal of the tonsils. It’s often if you have frequent/recurrent infections or sleep-related breathing issues.

Complications with tonsillitis

Complications of tonsillitis are rare and arise from the infection spreading to other part of the body.

Some possible complications include:

  • A middle ear infection (otitis media)
  • Peritonsillar abscess: a collection of pus that collects or develops between one of the tonsils and the wall of the throat
  • Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA): a condition that causes breathing difficulties and poor sleep due to the walls of the throat that relax during sleep.

Some other infrequent complications can occur in the case of an untreated bacterial infection. These include:

  • scarlet fever 
  • rheumatic fever
  • glomerulonephritis 

Preventing Tonsillitis

Practising good hygiene and self-care can be a great way to prevent illnesses and infections such as tonsillitis.

  • Wash your hands with soap and water often, especially before eating
  • Do not share drinks or personal items
  • Avoid touching your face with your hands
  • Get plenty of rest
  • Take a multivitamin
  • Eat a diet rich in vegetables and fruits

Should you consider a tonsillectomy? Learn more about the procedure here.

Put the Power of a Physician in Your Pocket

Illnesses can strike at any time. Put the power of a physician in your pocket by downloading the Your Doctors Online app. This free app allows you to connect with a real doctor 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Imagine the peace of mind you can experience by speaking to a doctor about your medical concern. Know the best course of action for your ailment. Avoid unnecessary trips to the doctor’s office and save yourself time and money.

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FAQs About Tonsillitis Answered By Your Doctors Online Team

Is Tonsillitis Contagious?

Yes, tonsillitis can be spread by direct contact with an infected person. For example, when a person with tonsillitis coughs or sneezes, respiratory droplets will be carried in the air and can infect those in the approximate area.
 

 How long is tonsillitis contagious?

If a viral infection causes tonsillitis, the individual can be contagious for about 7-10 days.
When an untreated bacterial infection causes tonsillitis, the individual can be contagious for two weeks. 
If a bacterial infection causes tonsillitis, the person will likely stop being contagious after being on antibiotics for about 24 hours.

Can you be around someone with tonsillitis?

If tonsillitis results from a bacterial or viral infection, it is contagious and can be passed on by the inhalation of respiratory droplets after an infected person sneezes or coughs.

What helps tonsillitis go away faster?

The following measures may help get rid of tonsillitis:
Taking mild over-the-counter pain relievers 
Drinking warm liquids to soothe the throat
Sucking popsicles
Drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
Taking antibiotics in case of a bacterial infection

When is tonsillitis an emergency?

If the symptoms persisit or last more than four days and worsen or if you develop difficulty in breathing and are unable to eat or drink due to the pain, you should contact a doctor immediately.

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