The infections that cause tonsillitis are contagious and can be transmitted through the air or through contaminated objects. You're typically contagious one to two days before symptoms develop and may remain contagious until your symptoms go away.

Can I be around someone with tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is contagious. This means you can get it from someone else who has it. Sneezing and coughing can pass the tonsillitis-causing virus or bacteria from one person to the next.

Can throat infection spread through air?

Sore throats caused by viruses and bacteria are contagious. The germs can remain on your hands, surfaces, and in the air sometimes for hours or days, depending on the particular virus or bacterium. Sore throats caused by an allergy or other environmental factor aren't contagious.