What should you do if your child keeps getting contagious tonsillitis?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Recurrent contagious tonsillitis in children is typically treated with antibiotics for active infections, and in cases of frequent recurrence, doctors may recommend a tonsillectomy (surgical removal of the tonsils). Treatment decisions depend on how often infections occur, their severity, and their impact on your child's daily life.

Because tonsillitis symptoms can overlap with other throat conditions like strep, viral infections, or mononucleosis, identifying the right cause early is key to choosing the right treatment path. A quick, free online symptom check can help you understand what's likely going on and guide your next steps—whether that's monitoring at home, scheduling a doctor's visit, or discussing surgical options.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if recurrent tonsillitis is contagious Discover what’s causing your child’s tonsillitis See if tonsillitis symptoms need care today Find OTC relief for tonsillitis pain Find a doctor for recurrent tonsillitis Discover home remedies for tonsillitis relief Understand if throat symptoms need evaluation

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Explanation

When a child frequently gets contagious tonsillitis, it can be tough for them and their family. Doctors usually start by giving medicine called antibiotics to help get rid of the infection. If the tonsillitis keeps coming back, doctors might think about a surgery called a tonsillectomy, where the tonsils are removed.

Here are some steps to consider:

Antibiotic Treatment: In many cases, antibiotics are used to treat the infection. This is often the first step when dealing with tonsillitis.
Tonsillectomy: If the child has many episodes of tonsillitis, doctors might suggest removing the tonsils. This can help stop the infections from coming back.
Monitoring: Keeping track of how often the child gets sick can help doctors decide the best treatment.

It's important to talk to a healthcare provider to figure out the best plan for your child. If you're concerned about your child's symptoms, you can start by taking a free symptom checker test to better understand their condition before your doctor's visit.

(References)

Guntinas-Lichius O, Geißler K, Mäkitie AA, Ronen O, Bradley PJ, Rinaldo A, et al. (2023). Treatment of recurrent acute tonsillitis-a systematic review .... Frontiers in surgery, 37881239.
Guntinas-Lichius O, & Geißler K. (2025). [Diagnosis and Treatment of recurrent acute Tonsillitis]. Laryngo- rhino- otologie, 40168968.
Paradise JL, Bluestone CD, Colborn DK, Bernard BS, Rockette HE, & Kurs-Lasky M. (2002). Tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy for recurrent throat .... Pediatrics, 12093941.

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