How can you tell if your tonsillitis is viral or bacterial, and does that change how contagious it is?

Tonsillitis can be caused by either viruses or bacteria, and knowing which one you have is important because it affects treatment and how contagious it is.

• Bacterial Tonsillitis: This is often caused by a type of bacteria called Streptococcus. It can be more contagious and may require antibiotics, like cefprozil, to treat.

• Viral Tonsillitis: This type is usually caused by viruses like the common cold. It is also contagious but doesn't need antibiotics.

To figure out which type you have, doctors usually look at symptoms and may do a test. If you have bacterial tonsillitis, you might have a sore throat and fever and need medicine to help you get better. If it's viral, you might just need rest and fluids.

Remember, if you think you or someone else might have tonsillitis, it's important to see a doctor for the right diagnosis and treatment.