Tonsillitis usually improves on its own after around a week. It's most often caused by a virus, so antibiotics won't help. Even if it's a bacterial infection, it will often settle without antibiotics. You can ease your symptoms with self-help measures and over-the-counter medicines.

How long does it take for bacterial tonsillitis to go away?

Symptoms will usually go away after 3 to 4 days. Tonsillitis is not contagious, but most of the infections that cause it are, for example, colds and flu. To stop these infections spreading: stay off work or keep your child at home until you or your child feel better.

What happens if you leave bacterial tonsillitis untreated?

If tonsillitis is left untreated, a complication can develop called a peritonsillar abscess. This is an area around the tonsils that's filled with bacteria, and it can cause these symptoms: Severe throat pain.