Is tonsillitis contagious?

[Nelle]

I think I have tonsillitis (feel free to pull out your violins, because my throat is really hurty!) and #1 has a hearing test this afternoon and speech pathology tomorrow morning!
Firstly I really don't want to give this to him (if it IS tonsillitis, it could just be a sore throat, but my tonsils are red and that's where the pain is). We've waited sooo long for a speech appt and if he can't talk because his throat is sore that would just really suck.

And secondly, if I do go to his appts, will I give it to anyone? I don't want to make anyone sick, but I really am the best person to go to these appts because I'm his primary carer.

And thirdly, how long does it usually last for? I know I've had this before (whatever it is), and I don't think it's lasted much longer than a day or two, but it's been awhile since I've had it so perhaps it's lasted longer and I just don't remember.

Oh, and what do I do? I read that most tonsillitis is viral, so AB's wouldn't really help...is that true? Just panadol and fluids?

Okay, I think that's all my questions. Thanks xo

[Pandora]

I think I have tonsillitis (feel free to pull out your violins, because my throat is really hurty!) and #1 has a hearing test this afternoon and speech pathology tomorrow morning!
Firstly I really don't want to give this to him (if it IS tonsillitis, it could just be a sore throat, but my tonsils are red and that's where the pain is). We've waited sooo long for a speech appt and if he can't talk because his throat is sore that would just really suck.

Ring them and see what they say. If he is sick it could affect the hearing test results also

And secondly, if I do go to his appts, will I give it to anyone? I don't want to make anyone sick, but I really am the best person to go to these appts because I'm his primary carer.

Im pretty sure it is contagious but I dont know how - as in whether you have to cough on the person etc

And thirdly, how long does it usually last for? I know I've had this before (whatever it is), and I don't think it's lasted much longer than a day or two, but it's been awhile since I've had it so perhaps it's lasted longer and I just don't remember.

Mine varies but it can be up to a week

Oh, and what do I do? I read that most tonsillitis is viral, so AB's wouldn't really help...is that true? Just panadol and fluids?

Ive always been given amoxyl or erithromycin, so Im guessing ABs should work

[Laranna]

Not sure about the contagious part. But true tonsillitis is bacterial and usually does need antibiotics.

[Winter]

Not sure about the contagious part. But true tonsillitis is bacterial and usually does need antibiotics.

:yeahthat: I always get ABs for tonsilitis.

Take care of yourself Nelle, tonsilitis is yucky stuff and can really whack you around.

[Janie]

Not at all downplaying your very sore throat Nelle, but tonsillitis usually makes you really sick, and for days and days. So if you've had this before, maybe it's not tonsillitis? Of course, you could still have something contagious, just something different........

Hope you feel better soon, and it doesn't interfere with any of R's appointments

[Sterla]

The way I understand it, there are two types of tonsillitis - one is viral, one is bacterial. I may be wrong though

[Cassius2]

nup. it aint contagious. i had chronic tonsilitis for 8 months running last year and neither DH or DD got it. my GP assured me time and time again that because it is bacterial it is nigh on impossible for it to spread to someone else...unless they were to lick my tonsils LOL!

good luck and i really hope that it passes soon for you xx

[Sterla]

Just looked tonsillitis up on wikipedia. It can be either viral or bacterial - one is contagious, one is not.

I'd go to your GP and find out which type it is so you know whether you're contagious, and whether you need ABs.

HTH

[Heaven]

I have no idea but I hope you're feeling better soon Nelle

[Nelle]

Aww thanks guys! Lol Janie, if you're suspecting me of making this slightly more dramatic than it really is, it's a sign you know me quite well. It's definitely my tonsils, but I'm certainly not dead or anything so who knows. If I can't kick it on my own I'll see a doc but I'm too much of a tightwad to see a doctor at the first sign of trouble. I'd better be well again for the Big Day Out though!

Anyway, on a bad/good note, the hearing test's been cancelled, apparently the audiologist's gone home sick. So really bummed about that, but at least I can rest up today.

Thanks guys. xo

[Bathsheba]

Your GP will be able to see with one look whether you have viral or bacterial tonsilitis. Bacterial shows up as them being covered in white... no delicate word for it... puss. Viral will show up as being mainly red. Get a torch and have a look yourself if you want... a tongue depressor (something flat and rounded like a paddle pop stick) will help you get a good look.... now go "agggghhhh" in a nice deep voice.

[Nelle]

Lol yeah I already had a look Bath, and there's no white (although my tongue is a bit), my tonsils are quite red. I used one of the boys' wind up torches to look. I've got a bit of a cold too, so I guess I'm leaning towards viral. The trouble with self diagnosis of course, is that I'm usually completely wrong. I'll head to a doctor tomorrow afternoon if I'm not feeling better.

[Bathsheba]

Even if it's viral they still might put you on ABs... it's because your system is vulnerable to bacterial attack and you could end up having both. This was the case with my DS's pnuemonia... started off viral... they think it then turned bacterial... which is why he got so sick.

If you go on ABs you might want to consider a pro-biotic... ABs can wreek havoc with digestion.

You can always give Nurse-On-Call a ring if you feel you are borderline. I'm forever on the phone to them.

You also might want to consider Manuka Honey... bought from a Health food store, not supermarket... has to be 20+ strength... it is fantastic for throat infections!

[Cassius2]

You also might want to consider Manuka Honey... bought from a Health food store, not supermarket... has to be 20+ strength... it is fantastic for throat infections!

yeah i heard that is great stuff! it was recommended to me when i had the tonsillitis, but by that stage i was far too gone...if only i heard of it the first time it came up!!

hope you are feeling better Nelle xx