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Conditions
Tonsillitis
Inflammation of the tonsils, usually caused by viral or bacterial infection. Common in children and young adults, causing sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and fever.
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From $24.95 · No appointment needed
6 min
avg cert turnaround
13 min
avg doctor review
2
days a week
30%
refund if declined
Symptoms
CommonsymptomsofTonsillitis
An AHPRA-registered doctor assesses these symptoms online - no in-person visit required.
Severe sore throat
Difficulty or pain when swallowing
Swollen, red tonsils (may have white spots)
Fever and chills
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Bad breath
Headache
Ear pain
Our Scope
Howwecanhelp
InstantMed handles many common conditions entirely online. Here's what fits our service.
What we can help with
- Medical certificates for time off work or study
- Assessment of whether antibiotics may be needed
- Advice on symptom management and pain relief
- Guidance on when to return to work
What needs in-person care
- Physical examination of tonsils (in-person assessment may be needed)
- Surgical referrals for tonsillectomy
- Treatment if you're experiencing emergency symptoms
Depending on your situation, an AHPRA-registered doctor may be able to issue a medical certificate or arrange a repeat prescription after reviewing your request online.
Clinical Guidance
Whentoseeadoctor
These indicators suggest you should seek professional medical advice promptly.
Signs you need a doctor
- 1Sore throat lasting more than 48 hours
- 2Difficulty swallowing fluids
- 3Fever over 38.5°C for more than 2 days
- 4Recurring tonsillitis (more than 5 episodes per year)
- 5You need a medical certificate for work or study
Seek emergency care if
- Difficulty breathing
- Unable to swallow saliva (drooling)
- Severe neck swelling
- Difficulty opening your mouth
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department
Clinical Insight
Adoctor'sperspectiveonTonsillitis
InstantMed Clinical Team
AHPRA-registered medical team · Reviewed 2026-03
Tonsillitis is overwhelmingly viral in origin - around 70-80% of cases - which means antibiotics will not help in most instances. The clinical challenge is distinguishing viral tonsillitis from Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infection, which does benefit from antibiotic treatment. Classic GAS features include sudden onset, severe throat pain, high fever, tonsillar exudate (white patches), tender anterior cervical lymph nodes, and absence of cough. The Centor criteria help quantify the probability. Even without antibiotics, most viral tonsillitis resolves in 5-7 days. Recurrent tonsillitis (7+ episodes in a year, or 5+ per year for 2 years) may warrant tonsillectomy referral. Via telehealth, I can assess the history pattern and decide whether antibiotics are appropriate or whether symptomatic management is the better approach.
Treatment
TreatingTonsillitis
Most tonsillitis is viral (70-80% of cases) and does not require antibiotics. Antibiotics are indicated for confirmed or highly probable Group A Streptococcal infection, assessed using the modified Centor criteria. Pain management with paracetamol and ibuprofen is the cornerstone of treatment for both viral and bacterial tonsillitis.
Phenoxymethylpenicillin
Abbocillin VK
Class:Penicillin antibiotic
Typical dose:500mg twice daily for 10 days
PBS:PBS listed for Group A Streptococcal tonsillitis/pharyngitis
- First-line antibiotic for confirmed strep throat in Australia
- Narrow-spectrum - less impact on gut flora than broad-spectrum antibiotics
- Full 10-day course required to prevent rheumatic fever (even if feeling better)
- Only needed when Centor score suggests streptococcal infection
Cefalexin
Keflex, Ibilex
Class:Cephalosporin antibiotic
Typical dose:500mg twice daily for 10 days
PBS:PBS listed for penicillin-intolerant patients with strep throat
- Alternative for patients with non-severe penicillin allergy
- Broader spectrum than penicillin V
- Not suitable for patients with severe penicillin allergy (anaphylaxis)
- Complete the full course to prevent recurrence
Ibuprofen
Nurofen, Advil, Brufen
Class:Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Typical dose:400mg every 6-8 hours as needed (max 1200mg/day)
- More effective than paracetamol for throat pain (anti-inflammatory effect)
- Can be alternated with paracetamol for better pain control
- Available over-the-counter at pharmacies
- Take with food to reduce stomach irritation
Source: Therapeutic Guidelines - Antibiotic, 2024. This information is educational only and does not replace clinical assessment.
Specialist referral: Referral to an ENT surgeon is recommended for recurrent tonsillitis (7+ episodes in 1 year, or 5+/year for 2 consecutive years), peritonsillar abscess (quinsy), or suspected tonsil malignancy (unilateral enlargement in an adult).
Tonsillitis in Australia
Tonsillitis is one of the most common ENT presentations in Australian general practice
Australia has one of the highest tonsillectomy rates in the world, particularly for children
Group A Streptococcus causes approximately 20-30% of tonsillitis cases in children and 5-15% in adults
Rheumatic fever from untreated strep throat remains a significant issue in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
Recovery
Whattoexpect
Typical recovery timeline and return-to-work guidance for most patients.
Typical recovery
Viral tonsillitis: 5-7 days. Bacterial tonsillitis with antibiotics: significant improvement within 48 hours, course completed in 5-10 days. Peritonsillar abscess (quinsy): requires urgent in-person drainage.
Return to work
Return to work once you can swallow comfortably and your fever has resolved (usually 3-5 days). If prescribed antibiotics for strep throat, you are generally considered non-contagious after 24 hours of treatment.
When to reassess
See a doctor urgently if you cannot swallow at all (including your own saliva), if you develop a muffled voice ('hot potato' voice), if one tonsil appears much larger than the other, or if you have difficulty breathing. These may indicate a peritonsillar abscess.
Self-Care
ManagingTonsillitisathome
Evidence-based tips to support your recovery alongside medical treatment.
Gargle with warm salt water (half a teaspoon in a glass of warm water) - this reduces swelling and discomfort
Paracetamol and ibuprofen together provide better pain relief than either alone (stagger them every 3 hours)
Eat soft, cool foods - ice cream, yoghurt, and cold smoothies soothe the throat better than hot drinks
Stay hydrated - aim for frequent small sips if swallowing is painful
Use throat lozenges or anaesthetic throat spray for temporary pain relief
Rest your voice if it is painful to talk
FAQ
CommonquestionsaboutTonsillitis
Answers to the most common questions from patients.
Yes. Tonsillitis often requires several days off work. Our doctors can provide a medical certificate if your symptoms warrant time off.
Not always. Most tonsillitis is viral and resolves on its own. Bacterial tonsillitis may benefit from antibiotics, but a doctor needs to assess your symptoms.
Usually contagious for 24-48 hours after starting antibiotics (if bacterial), or until symptoms improve (if viral). Most people should stay home for 2-3 days.
If you can't swallow fluids, have difficulty breathing, or symptoms last more than 5 days, see a doctor in person for a throat examination.
Ready to get help with Tonsillitis?
Australian-registered doctors review your request when available.
Full refund if the doctor declines.