Is Tonsillitis Contagious
The Infection and Treatment of the Tonsils
The inflammation of the tonsils is otherwise known as tonsillitis. This has three main types namely chronic, subacute and acute. Chronic tonsillitis is mainly caused by the infection of bacteria. Actinomyces is responsible for subacute tonsillitis and acute tonsillitis is due to bacterial or viral infection.
Common Symptoms of Tonsillitis
Severe sore throat is the first sign for the disease. The pain extends to ears in severe cases. Difficulty in swallowing, bad breathe, headache, cough, fever and chills are the regular symptoms. Tonsils become red and enlarged in size. Often they get coated with yellow, grey or white substance partially or wholly and this is the main sign for the infection. Tonsilliectomy is the treatment given to the patients and this entails the removal of tonsils from their throat.
Main Function of Tonsils
Tonsils are the helpful cluster of tissues present behind and above the tongue on either sides of the throat. The exact function of tonsils is to attack the incoming germs before causing infection to mouth, sinuses and throat. This is possible because they hold cells, which are capable of fighting against infection and the presence of antibodies in tonsils are efficient in obstructing the harmful germs from spreading to other parts of the body.
If tonsils are removed, the other defense mechanisms within our body are helpful in producing antibodies to protect us from infections.
Is Tonsillitis Contagious
The awareness of the people regarding tonsillitis is on the rise that they proactively ask their medical practitioners on whether “Is Tonsillitis contagious? There is no doubt in that the disease is 100% contagious. The nasal fluids and drops coming out of the mouth, while sneezing and coughing are infectious enough to spread the disease to other persons quickly.
Treatment for Tonsillitis
The treatment will be given to the patients depending upon the type of tonsillitis. Antibiotics can be prescribed, if the disease is caused by bacteria. If the reason behind the tonsillitis is due to viruses, the body itself can fight off the infection. Medicines can be given only to alleviate the signs of the disease. Whatever may be reason, if the disease is diagnosed correctly, it can be cured a week’s time. Swollen glands and tonsils will take more time to get back to heir normal size.
Prevention is better than Cure
Now that you know very well that you can get tonsillitis from someone very easily, its imperative that you have to protect yourself in the following ways:
- Wash your hands with water and soap frequently.
- Separate the cups, plates, towels of the infected person in your house.
- Avoid kissing the affected child, boyfriend or girlfriend
- In order to avoid the relapse of the infection, throw the toothbrush that you had been using after complete recovery.
I hope this article has given sufficient information regarding tonsillitis its symptoms, information pertaining to ‘is tonsillitis contagious’ and its treatment. Do let us know your queries and feedback using the form displayed below.
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The germs that cause colds and flu are contagious. The bacteria from these, settles in the tonsils, which causes tonsillitis.So obviously tonsillitis is contagious…
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Yes, it can be quite contagious. Spread person to person by coming in contact with fluids in the mouth/throat and nasal passages. This is possible by sharing a drink, same eating utensils, etc. So, if you were kissing, you were absolutely exposed. Whether you actually get it or not depends on your immune system and vulnerability. Time will tell.
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