Tonsillitis: Viral or Bacterial?
Tonsillitis can be either viral or bacterial:
- Viral tonsillitis: viruses like cold and fly’s (influenza) is the cause of about 70% of tonsillitis cases.
- Bacterial tonsillitis (strep throat): Bacteria such as Group A Streptococcus [3] causes other cases of tonsillitis. Tonsillitis due to bacteria is commonly referred to as strep throat people who don’t have tonsils can still get strep throat.
Is Tonsillitis Contagious?
Yes, it is. Both the virus and bacteria that cause tonsillitis are highly contagious. The different ways they can be contracted include:
- Kissing or sharing utensils, food or drink
- Touching a contaminated surface and then touching your mouth or nose
- Coming into close contact with someone who is sick
- Inhaling tiny particles that become airborne when a sick person sneezes or coughs.