Coronavirus and tonsillitis can have similar symptoms, such as fever and sore throat, but Cooper experts have put together a guide to help you differentiate the two.
Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils become inflamed and infected – usually from bacteria or viruses. Tonsils are glands at the back of the throat that make antibodies that help fight infection. While tonsillitis is seen most often in children, adults can develop it as well at any age.
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a new virus that causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as a cough, fever, and in more severe cases, difficulty breathing.
You can protect yourself from COVID-19 by washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, wearing a face mask, and practicing social distancing by avoiding close contact with people who do not live in your household.
Coronavirus vs. Tonsillitis
|
SYMPTOMS |
COVID-19 |
TONSILLITIS |
|
Fever |
X |
X |
|
Sore Throat |
X |
X |
|
Digestive Discomfort |
X |
X |
|
Headache |
X |
X |
|
Cough |
Dry (no mucus) |
|
|
Chest Pain |
X |
|
|
Nasal Congestion |
X |
|
|
Shortness of Breath |
X |
|
|
Bluish Lips or Face |
X |
|
|
Chills and Aches |
X |
|
|
Loss of Smell and Taste |
X |
|
|
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) |
X |
|
|
Tiredness |
X |
|
|
Red, swollen tonsils |
|
X |
|
White or yellow coating/patches on tonsils |
|
X |
|
Difficulty Swallowing |
|
X |
|
Enlarged, tender lymph nodes in the neck |
|
X |
|
Scratchy voice |
|
X |
|
Bad breath |
|
X |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tonsillitis a symptom of COVID-19?
Tonsillitis and COVID-19 can share several symptoms, including fever, sore throat, digestive discomfort, and headache. However, tonsillitis has some unique symptoms like enlarged lymph nodes, swollen tonsils, bad breath, and stiff neck that are not typically seen in patients with COVID-19. Tonsillitis itself is not a symptom of COVID-19.
Can COVID-19 cause tonsillitis?
Sore throat is a common symptom in both tonsillitis and COVID-19. However, tonsillitis causes discomfort and inflammation specific to the tonsils area rather than generalized sore throat. COVID-19 does not cause tonsillitis.
Is tonsillitis linked to coronavirus?
Tonsillitis and COVID-19 have a few symptoms in common. However, tonsillitis causes discomfort and inflammation specific to the tonsils area rather than generalized sore throat.
Contact a Cooper Expert
If you have flu-like symptoms and think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, review our instructions and information on our testing sites.
If you believe you have tonsillitis, call 800.826.6737 to make an appointment with an expert from the Division of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery to discuss your options.