Sore throat viral or bacterial ?

[Keissax]

I have a sore throat the pain is constant it seemed better through the night but has come back more through the day today. There are a few white spots on each tonsil that I can see. Could this be viral or do I need to see a doctor because of white spots? Should I leave it a few more days?

Obvious question - have you taken a PCR test?

I don't think it's possible to say whether it's bacterial or viral. Do you have a history of tonsil or throat problems, or any immune issues?

I wouldn't personally contact the doctor for a sore throat of a couple of days' duration - I'd give it a week or so to clear up. Obviously if it got very bad or if I was struggling to breathe I'd seek medical help ASAP.

Hope you feel better soon.

Just to add, have you taken your temperature? If you have a high temp that's more likely to point to a virus.

N @ArblemarchTFruitbato thanks for your comment ..no temperature and I have done a lateral flow and PCR this week… I have had a throat infection this year a bacterial one that needed antibiotics. It’s just the white bumps that is worrying me slightly. My husband is immunosuppressed so I might get it checked out to be on the safe side.

Yes, if you're worried definitely get it checked out - better safe than sorry. Hopefully it's nothing - there are so many colds going round at the moment, it might just be one of them.

Mank on the tonsils is one of the criteria used to identify likely bacterial tonsillitis but on its own wouldn’t normally mean antibiotics are needed. Fever is another one.
Full set of NICE criteria are here www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng84/chapter/terms-used-in-the-guideline

Depends how poorly you feel.
I had tonsillitis - fever, tonsils covered in pus. Had antibiotics prescribed over the phone. I've had more painful sore throats without the fever etc and just waited them out. They usually peak around day 3