Tonsillitis vs Covid?

[Makinganewthinghappen]

I have had a sore throat and slight temp for 3 days. Yesterday I was called my Gp And spoke to the nurse(I have had quinsy twice so I was thinking I don’t want to leave it!) and they said it’s probably tonsillitis and gave me antibiotics.

I do have very swollen tonsils but they are not very red and don’t have any white spots etc. This morning I also have a tightness in my chest - I can breath totally fine and we have a finger monitor things which we tried and it’s all fine but it almost feel like I have to put a bit more effort in to take a deep breath.

I am wondering if it really is tonsilitis it if I need to order a test ?

I feel under the weather but not hugely ill- I’ll enough that I’m in bed but well enough to watch tv etc. My temp is mild only just above normal. I have a slight upset stomach.

Has anyone who has had Covid had swollen tonsils? Should I assume it IS tonsillitis or would it be worth getting a test?

I don’t drive so I can’t go to a drive in test thing I would hVe to get a home test. I don’t want to waste one if it’s tonsillitis though !

I think that this is where GPs doing telephone appointments only really breaks down. Examination of your tonsils is necessary and there is probably no substitute for it, especially given your history of quinsy because that can be dangerous (blocking airway) etc. There is a good chance that it could be quinsy because repeated ones leave scar tissue which cannot be penetrated by antibiotics and therefore some infection often remains. That was how an ENT consultant explained it to me.

You have my sympathy. I used to get quinsy until I had my tonsils removed at the age of 37 and that was the best decision ever.

I don't know the answers regarding Covid tests. You could ask at your GP surgery what they advise, if you haven't already.

I'd get a test just to be check. I had covid which started with a very sore throat and hoarse voice (dont have any tonsils left ) ..did go onto develop more typical symptoms but still have a very sore throat and keep losing my voice 4 months later.

When I have tonsillitis I usually have yellow spots on my tonsils and I get a temp.

What is your temp?

I don’t think you should worry about wasting a test - there is more than enough tests now and people are encouraged to take one. With a temperature you could consider ordering a home kit.

Could it be pleurisy? The chest symptoms could fit that

You know your own body, you can recognise when things are going downhill as you have had quinsy previously.
Trust your own judgement, be vigilant for changes in your symptoms. Seek help if things deteriorate.
Do all the usual home remedy stuff, plenty of fluids, regular paracetamol, loose cool clothes.

Even if you got the test, tested positive, in terms of symptom control nothing will change will it. There’s no cure, just home treatment and wait it out.

The consideration is of course who you have been in contact with.

If it were me, I’d be pottering, resting, watching tv and giving myself a few days to get the symptoms out of the way if the symptoms continue without worsening or changing.

Yes get a test it's very easy to order online and it will arrive by tomo and you can arrange courier straight away to collect it again. If it comes back negative at least you don't have to isolate or inform all your recent contacts etc.

Get a test. It isn't 'wasting one' if it isn't covid, the whole point is you don't know.

If you won't take the test, you should FULLY self-isolate for 14 days and you should still tell everyone you were in contact with for the week before you got symptoms.

Anything else is, sorry to be so blunt, irresponsible.

Definitely get a test

You should get the test because you do have Covid symptoms, otherwise you and your household will have to self isolate for 7 and 14 days. If it comes back negative then you won't have to.

I am a key worker and felt unwell with a sore throat on Tuesday night. Went for a test on Wednesday which came back negative but have since then developed full blown tonsillitis. Hopefully that puts your mind at rest a little?

Thanks Mary - it does I have noticed an improvement of my throat on antibiotics even after just a couple of days although I still feel pretty rotten In myself.

I have been trying to book a test but had no luck!

Shouldn’t you have got a test with your raised temperature?

@Tangledyarn I have this too. It keeps flaring up every few weeks. Initial infection was end of January.

My cousins whole family had similar symptoms and initially thought it was tonsillitis, but when everyone got it, we think it was COVID. This was months ago though, so no test.

I'd say get tested