COVID-19 symptoms: tonsillitis

• Tonsillitis and COVID can cause similar symptoms, which can make it hard to distinguish between the two conditions.
• There have been cases in which COVID-19 causes tonsillitis, although this doesn’t happen frequently.
• Most cases of viral tonsillitis can be treated with at-home remedies. 

Tonsillitis and COVID can cause similar symptoms, which can make it difficult to distinguish between them in some cases. However, some symptoms can more clearly indicate one of the two infections. In this article, we’ll explore the differences and similarities of both conditions, as well as their possible link and treatment options.

COVID and tonsillitis can both cause a sore throat and a fever. To better understand the differences between both conditions, it’s important to know more about tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, two organs at the back of the throat that form part of the immune system. COVID-19, on the other hand, is an infectious respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus.1 2

Tonsillitis can be caused by bacteria, such as the group A. streptococcus bacteria. However, it's more common that the inflammation of the tonsils is caused by a virus. This can be any of the regular viruses that are responsible for the common cold or the flu. Some examples of viruses that are known to cause tonsillitis are the Epstein barr virus, adenoviruses, influenza and parainfluenza viruses, and coronaviruses. Although it's rare that you can get tonsillitis from COVID, there have been a few incidences in which acute tonsillitis was reported after being diagnosed with COVID-19.3

COVID and tonsillitis can have quite a few symptoms in common, which can make it hard to distinguish between both conditions. Not all symptoms are always present, and the intensity of the symptoms can vary greatly, ranging from no symptoms to mild discomfort and even severe symptoms. The following chart can give you an insight into the symptoms of COVID-19 vs. tonsillitis:1 4

To find out whether you’re experiencing tonsillitis or COVID-19, your healthcare provider will ask you a few questions about the symptoms you are experiencing, after which your throat will be examined. In some cases, a throat swab can be taken in order to find out whether your tonsillitis is caused by bacteria. Additionally, a COVID-19 test may be administered to determine if your symptoms are due to the virus. Knowing whether the cause of your tonsillitis is bacterial or viral is essential, as both require a different treatment strategy.1

The duration of the symptoms of COVID-19 and tonsillitis varies from person to person. In most cases, the symptoms of tonsillitis usually last about 3 to 4 days. You should speak to your healthcare provider if these symptoms persist for more than 4 days without any signs of improvement.1

The cause of your tonsillitis determines the treatment method. If a bacteria causes your symptoms, a short course of oral antibiotics can be prescribed by your healthcare provider. In case these don’t work, intravenous antibiotics may be administered in the hospital. 

If your tonsillitis is caused by a virus such as the coronavirus, then your immune system will have to clear the infection, and antibiotics will not be required. Both the symptoms of tonsillitis and COVID can be alleviated at home by: 1

• Taking plenty of rest
• Drinking enough water
• Taking over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, and naproxen

If COVID-19 is the cause of your tonsillitis and you are at risk for severe illness due to your infection with the coronavirus, then there are certain antiviral drugs that your healthcare provider can prescribe. 

Viruses can spread easily from one person to another, as they have a high transmissibility rate. To avoid getting infected yourself and to protect others from the consequences of tonsillitis or COVID, you can: 6 1

• Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with water and soap
• Improve ventilation in indoor spaces
• Avoid contact with people who are experiencing symptoms of COVID or tonsillitis
• Keep a safe distance from others
• Stay at home if you have a confirmed case of COVID or tonsillitis
• Cough and sneeze into a tissue which you can throw away 

Both tonsillitis and COVID can cause a fever and a sore throat, which may lead to confusion in diagnosis. If you suspect that you’re experiencing either one of these conditions, your healthcare provider can distinguish between them and make sure that you get the appropriate treatment. 

Q: Does COVID-19 cause tonsillitis? 
A: There’s a limited number of cases known in which COVID-19 causes tonsillitis.

Q: Can tonsillitis cause a false positive COVID test? 
A: Tonsillitis doesn’t usually cause a false positive COVID test. However, these tests can be false positive due to cross-contamination. The percentage of false positive COVID tests is quite low. 

Q: How can viral tonsillitis be treated? 
A: Tonsillitis caused by a virus usually doesn’t require any specific treatment. You can alleviate your symptoms by getting plenty of rest, drinking water, and taking over-the-counter pain medication.