Tonsillitis itself is not contagious. However, “the viruses and bacteria that cause tonsillitis are highly contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, ...

Both of these throat infections cause sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and tonsils that are swollen or covered in white patches. But there are some ...

While tonsillitis may be a very common condition in children, ... Using antibiotics, when appropriate, can shorten the duration of symptoms and reduce the risks of complications, ...

Tonsillitis is often viral and goes away on its own, while strep throat is bacterial and requires antibiotics for treatment and to prevent serious complications.

For many cases of tonsillitis, antibiotics or other medicines are not recommended. But that doesn’t mean you need to feel miserable while you heal. Here’s what you can do at home to feel ...

If the tonsillitis infection is viral, antibiotics won't help. The virus must run its course for the sore throat to resolve. If tonsillitis infections occur repeatedly, ...

Tonsillitis can be caused by various viruses or bacteria. Strep throat is only caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. ... Make sure to take antibiotics exactly as directed by your doctor.

Antibiotics will not work for viral tonsillitis because bacteria and viruses have very different mechanisms to survive and grow. Antibiotics are only able to target and stop bacterial infections.

Frequent cases of tonsillitis that affect your child's general health, ... Avoid prolonged contact with anyone who has strep throat and has not been taking antibiotics for at least 24 hours.

With winter upon us and cold and flu season in full swing, tonsillitis is likely to follow. ... If the cause is bacterial, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection.

Often, tonsillitis will go away by itself, but depending on the type of infection, you may need to take a course of prescription antibiotics. In conversation with USA TODAY, an expert breaks down ...