See your doctor if you see no improvement in symptoms after four days — you may have a bacterial infection requiring antibiotics. Even viral tonsillitis can last up to two weeks, so a longer illness isn’t a definite sign of a bacterial infection. [6] X Research source
Mono will pass on its own and usually doesn’t require treatment, but you should still get diagnosed. This can be done with a simple blood test.
Mono can occur with or without a skin rash, too. While looking in your mouth, also check for a gray membrane covering your tonsils. This is another sign of mono. [9] X Research source
It’s normal for your tonsils to look red and swollen with bacterial or viral tonsillitis – the white, pus-filled spots are more common to bacterial infections.
Sore throat that is getting progressively worse on one side Difficulty swallowing A change in voice — called “hot potato voice” — in which vowels may sound muffled Swollen lymph nodes Large, red swelling on one side of the tonsils Difficulty opening your mouth Bad breath that was not present previously The uvula — the dangling tissue at the back of your throat — may look like it’s being pushed to the unaffected side (no longer midline)
Rheumatic fever can also cause widespread joint pain.
This is a good first test, but a throat culture is often required for accurate diagnosis.
