PlushCare / Online Doctor / Primary Care / Tonsillitis
In order to treat your tonsillitis, consult with one of our board-certified doctors online today to develop a treatment plan to get relief from a sore throat or scratchy voice. If needed, get a new prescription to treat tonsillitis or refill an existing prescription today.
Medication services available 24/7 for adults and kids (3+)
Top quality, board-certified doctors
No insurance needed
Same-day prescriptions available*
*Prescriptions provided at doctor’s discretion.
Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less. Otherwise, new patient visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $69 for members.
Step 1
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Step 1
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
How pricing works
To request tonsillitis treatment and get a new or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
$14.99/month
First month free
Copay
For all visits
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
$14.99/month
First month free
$129
Repeats only $69
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $69 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, two oval-shaped lymph nodes on each side of the back of your throat. Your tonsils work as a defense mechanism to protect your body from infections. When an infection develops on the tonsils, the condition is called tonsillitis.
Although tonsillitis is a common childhood illness, it can occur at any age.
There are two types of tonsillitis: bacterial and viral.
Tonsillitis happens when your tonsils—the lymph nodes located on each side of the back of your throat—become infected. Tonsils are your body's first-line defense against illness, combating bacteria and viruses that enter your body through your mouse and nose. However, tonsils are also vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections.
This is the most common cause of bacterial tonsillitis infection and is the same type of bacteria that causes strep throat.
Your healthcare provider will review your medical history and identify the cause of your tonsillitis to determine the best medication for you. If you have bacterial tonsillitis, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics . If you have viral tonsillitis, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain medications to manage your sore throat symptoms.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Ibuprofen (Advil)
It’s not always possible to prevent tonsillitis. However, you can take steps to lower your risk:
If you experience any symptoms of tonsillitis, schedule an appointment with your doctor for a proper diagnosis. Although viral and bacterial tonsillitis share similar symptoms, a bacterial infection will typically require antibiotics.
You should seek medical attention if you experience a sore throat or fever that lasts over four days without any noticeable improvement. If your doctor cannot diagnose your sore throat online, they may recommend in-person examination.
Infectious mononucleosis (mono)
Tonsillitis treatment varies depending on the cause of the infection. Although the symptoms of viral and bacterial tonsillitis may look similar, each infection requires different treatments.
Tonsillitis primarily affects children between preschool ages and mid-teenage years. Sore throat patients typically experience:
In young children, tonsillitis may also be marked by a poor appetite, irritability, and excessive drooling.
In most cases, you can manage tonsillitis symptoms with home remedies. Some helpful tips for treating sore throats include:
Gargling warm saltwater
Lozenges and cough drops
Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated
Drinking warm liquids, such as tea, apple cider, or broth
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil)
Using a humidifier
The best medicine for tonsillitis depends on the cause of the infection. If you have bacterial tonsillitis, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. You can get online sore throat treatment by booking an appointment with an online doctor at PlushCare.
Viral tonsillitis usually doesn’t require medication. If you’re experiencing a painful sore throat, over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), can provide relief.
Yes, tonsillitis is contagious. While the incubation period varies depending on the type of tonsillitis, most people are contagious for 24–48 hours before developing symptoms. You may remain contagious until your symptoms go away.
Tonsillitis can be spread by inhaling respiratory droplets that enter the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can also develop a tonsillitis infection if you come into contact with a contaminated object.
Although sore throats can happen at any age, they’re commonly seen in young people. Since school-age children come into contact with many people, they’re more likely to be exposed to bacteria and germs that can cause tonsillitis.
Viral tonsillitis only lasts a few days as your body fights off the viral infection. If your tonsillitis doesn’t improve within four days, talk to your doctor. You may be experiencing bacterial tonsillitis, which requires antibiotic treatment.
Yes, most cases of viral tonsillitis will resolve within a few days without any treatment. However, bacterial tonsillitis requires treatment with oral antibiotics.
If you experience any sore throat symptoms, book a video consult with one of our board-certified doctors. With sore throat online visits, it’s safe and convenient to get sore throat treatment online from the comfort of your own home.
A PlushCare doctor will perform a physical examination, review your medical history, and ask about your symptoms to determine the cause of your infection. After your online doctor diagnoses tonsillitis, they can create a treatment plan and prescribe tonsillitis treatment online if needed.
Yes, online doctors can treat tonsillitis by asking targeted questions about your symptoms and prescribing tonsillitis treatment online. If you’re interested in treating sore throat online, you can book an appointment with a licensed PlushCare physician to learn about your treatment options.
After your doctor determines whether your infection is viral or bacterial, they can prescribe tonsillitis treatment online if needed. It’s important to follow post-visit instructions for to speed up your recovery time.
