Patient consulting a GP about tonsillitis symptoms via phone
UK Private GP Service

How Do You Get Tonsillitis? Causes, Symptoms and What to Do Next

Tonsillitis is caused by viral or bacterial infection of the tonsils. It spreads easily through close contact and respiratory droplets. A tapGP doctor can assess your symptoms today and advise on treatment — including antibiotics where clinically appropriate.

  • Same-day appointments with UK-trained GPs
  • Prescriptions issued where clinically appropriate
  • CQC-regulated and fully confidential
Book a same-day appointment Trustpilot rating 4.8 out of 5 for tapGP If you have difficulty breathing or are seriously unwell, call 999 or NHS 111 immediately.

How do you get tonsillitis?

You get tonsillitis when viruses or bacteria infect your tonsils — the two soft tissue pads at the back of your throat. The most common cause is a viral infection, such as the common cold virus or influenza. Bacterial tonsillitis is usually caused by Group A Streptococcus, often called strep throat.

Tonsillitis spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets when someone who is infected coughs, sneezes or talks near you. You can also pick it up by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth or nose. It is most common in children and teenagers but can affect adults too.

Symptoms typically include a very sore throat, difficulty swallowing, swollen tonsils that may appear red or have white patches, a high temperature, headache and swollen glands in the neck. Most cases resolve within a week but bacterial tonsillitis may need antibiotic treatment from a GP.

A tapGP doctor can assess your symptoms, confirm whether your tonsillitis is likely viral or bacterial and advise on the most appropriate course of treatment. See all conditions we treat at tapGP.

⚠️ If you or your child has difficulty breathing, is drooling or cannot swallow at all, or has a muffled voice with severe throat swelling, call 999 immediately. These may be signs of a peritonsillar abscess or airway emergency.
⭐ Verified patient review, May 2026: "Saw a tapGP doctor within the hour about my sore throat. She assessed me thoroughly, explained what was likely causing it and sent a prescription to my pharmacy the same day. Brilliant service."

Is tapGP right for your tonsillitis?

tapGP is suited to adults and children who need timely GP assessment for throat symptoms. Use the guide below to understand when we can help and when you need urgent care.

tapGP may be suitable if you have

  • A sore throat lasting more than two or three days
  • Swollen red tonsils with or without white patches
  • A high temperature with difficulty swallowing
  • Swollen or tender lymph nodes in your neck

Seek urgent care if you experience

  • Any difficulty breathing or noisy breathing
  • Inability to swallow saliva or severe drooling
  • A muffled or hot potato voice with one-sided swelling
  • Symptoms rapidly worsening in a young child

Call 999 or visit your nearest A&E for any of the above.

tapGP vs your other options for tonsillitis

Compare your choices so you can decide what works best for you.

Service tapGP NHS GP Walk-in Centre
Typical wait time Same day, often within hours Days to weeks 1 to 4 hours
Prescription if needed Yes, where clinically appropriate Yes Sometimes
Consultation from home Yes, via app or phone Rarely No
Available evenings and weekends Yes Limited Varies
Book a same-day appointment

How to see a GP for tonsillitis in three simple steps

Getting assessed and treated for tonsillitis through tapGP is fast and straightforward.

Available 7 days a week No waiting room UK-registered doctors
1 Doctor reviewing a patient's tonsillitis symptoms on a laptop

Download the app and book

Download the tapGP app and book a same-day appointment in under two minutes. Tell us about your throat symptoms, how long you have had them and any other relevant medical history.

Takes under 2 minutes
2 Man speaking with a tapGP doctor about tonsillitis by phone

Speak with a UK GP

A UK-trained and CQC-registered doctor will review your symptoms and ask questions to determine whether your tonsillitis is likely viral or bacterial. They will discuss the best treatment options with you.

Same-day appointment
3 Patient checking tonsillitis treatment plan on phone after tapGP consultation

Receive your treatment plan

If antibiotics or other medication are appropriate your prescription is sent electronically to your chosen pharmacy. You will also receive clear written advice on recovery and when to seek further help.

Prescription sent same day

Why patients trust tapGP

CQC regulatedtapGP is registered with and regulated by the Care Quality Commission for your safety and peace of mind.
NHS-trained GPsEvery doctor on our platform trained within the NHS and holds full GMC registration.
Appointments within 16 hoursMost patients are seen within a few hours of booking, including evenings and weekends.
Not a crisis servicetapGP is for non-emergency consultations. For emergencies always call 999 or NHS 111.

Frequently asked questions about tonsillitis

How do you get tonsillitis?+

Tonsillitis is caused by infection of the tonsils, most commonly by viruses such as the rhinovirus or influenza virus. Bacterial tonsillitis is usually caused by Group A Streptococcus. You catch it by breathing in respiratory droplets from an infected person when they cough or sneeze, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face. Close contact with an infected person — such as in schools, households or workplaces — is the most common route of transmission.

Is tonsillitis contagious?+

Yes, tonsillitis is contagious. Both viral and bacterial forms spread easily through respiratory droplets and direct contact. You are generally most contagious in the first few days of illness. It is advisable to stay away from school or work until your temperature has been normal for at least 24 hours and you feel well enough to return.

What is the difference between viral and bacterial tonsillitis?+

Viral tonsillitis, which is more common, is caused by viruses and usually resolves on its own within a week with rest and pain relief. Bacterial tonsillitis is typically caused by streptococcal bacteria and may require a course of antibiotics where clinically appropriate. A GP can help distinguish between the two based on your symptoms and may use a scoring tool such as the FeverPAIN or Centor criteria to guide treatment decisions.

Do I need antibiotics for tonsillitis?+

Not always. Most cases of tonsillitis are viral and antibiotics will not help. A GP will assess your symptoms to determine whether a bacterial cause is likely. Antibiotics are only prescribed where clinically appropriate. In many cases you will be advised to rest, stay hydrated and take over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

How long does tonsillitis last?+

Most cases of tonsillitis clear up within a week. Viral tonsillitis often resolves within five to seven days. Bacterial tonsillitis may improve more quickly once antibiotics are started, usually within 48 to 72 hours. If your symptoms are not improving after a week or are getting significantly worse, you should see a GP.

Can adults get tonsillitis?+

Yes, adults can get tonsillitis although it is more common in children and teenagers. Adults who have not had their tonsils removed remain at risk. The causes and symptoms are broadly the same across age groups. If you are an adult with recurring tonsillitis, your GP may refer you to an ENT specialist to discuss whether a tonsillectomy is appropriate.

When should I call 999 for tonsillitis?+

Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you or your child has difficulty breathing, cannot swallow at all, is drooling uncontrollably, has a muffled or strained voice with severe one-sided swelling, or appears very unwell and deteriorating rapidly. These may be signs of a peritonsillar abscess or a serious airway problem that requires emergency treatment.

Book a same-day appointment

Get your tonsillitis assessed today

A tapGP doctor can review your symptoms, explain whether your infection is likely viral or bacterial and advise on the right treatment — including antibiotics where clinically appropriate. No waiting room. No long delays. Just expert GP care when you need it.

Book a same-day appointment tapGP is a CQC-regulated private GP service. It is not a crisis service. If you have an emergency call 999 or NHS 111.