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Childhood illness guide

Tonsillitis

A sore throat and swollen tonsils that usually eases within a week

Child sipping water with a soft scarf nearby
CP

By Clever Mum Parenting · Parenting guides

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What is tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils at the sides of the throat.

What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?

  • A sore throat, problems swallowing, a high temperature, coughing, headache, feeling sick, earache and tiredness
  • More severe cases: swollen, painful glands in the neck; pus-filled spots or white patches on the tonsils; bad breath

How long does tonsillitis last?

Symptoms usually go away after 3 to 4 days, but can last longer.

What helps tonsillitis at home?

  • Get plenty of rest
  • Offer cool drinks to soothe the throat
  • Give paracetamol or ibuprofen — never give aspirin to a child under 16
  • Gargling with warm salty water can help — but children shouldn't do this

When should you see a GP?

  • Symptoms do not go away within 1 week
  • You keep getting throat infections

Call 999 or go to A&E if you or your child:

  • Have a severe sore throat that quickly gets worse
  • Have swelling inside the mouth and throat
  • Have difficulty speaking
  • Cannot swallow
  • Have difficulty breathing
  • Have difficulty opening your mouth

Is tonsillitis contagious, and can my child go to nursery or school?

Tonsillitis itself isn't contagious, but most of the infections that cause it are — the NHS doesn't give a fixed exclusion period, so use your child's symptoms (and how unwell they feel) as the guide for keeping them off nursery or school.

UKHSA guidance: Tonsillitis is not listed on its own. For respiratory infections, UKHSA says children should stay away if they have more than mild symptoms, for example a high temperature.

If a GP diagnoses scarlet fever rather than tonsillitis, the rule changes: UKHSA says stay away until 24 hours after starting antibiotics.

Source: UKHSA exclusion periods for children’s settings (England), checked 25 September 2026. Your nursery or school may have its own policy.

Tonsillitis: common questions

What is tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils at the sides of the throat. Symptoms usually go away after 3 to 4 days, but can last longer. This is general information, not a diagnosis — see a GP or call NHS 111 if you're unsure.

What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?

Common symptoms include: a sore throat, problems swallowing, a high temperature, coughing, headache, feeling sick, earache and tiredness; and more severe cases: swollen, painful glands in the neck; pus-filled spots or white patches on the tonsils; bad breath.

When should I call 999 for tonsillitis?

Call 999 or go to A&E if you or your child: have a severe sore throat that quickly gets worse; have swelling inside the mouth and throat; have difficulty speaking; cannot swallow; have difficulty breathing; and have difficulty opening your mouth.

Can my child go to nursery or school with tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is not listed on its own. For respiratory infections, UKHSA says children should stay away if they have more than mild symptoms, for example a high temperature. If a GP diagnoses scarlet fever rather than tonsillitis, the rule changes: UKHSA says stay away until 24 hours after starting antibiotics.

Sources & further reading

This is general information sourced from NHS.uk, not medical advice or a diagnostic tool. Every child is different — if you're at all worried, contact your GP, call NHS 111, or in an emergency call 999. Last updated 25 September 2026.