Private sore throat & tonsillitis clinic in London, same-day ENT.

Contact us the same day if

• you take carbimazole, methotrexate, azathioprine or another medicine that affects the immune system or white cells — a sore throat with fever can be the first sign of a serious drop in white blood cells and needs an urgent blood test
• you are having chemotherapy, or have a weakened immune system for any other reason
• you develop a fine, sandpapery rash and a red, bumpy tongue — this may be scarlet fever, which does need antibiotics
• the sore throat has lasted more than a week and is not improving, or keeps returning

What to expect

Tonsillitis often comes with a temperature, tender glands in the neck, bad breath and white spots on the tonsils. White spots do not mean bacterial infection or that antibiotics are needed — they are just as common with viruses.

What actually helps

When antibiotics are appropriate

We use a scoring system that weighs up fever, the appearance of the tonsils, tender neck glands and the absence of a cough. Antibiotics are worth it when several of those features are present together, when you are systemically unwell, or when you are at higher risk of complications — not simply because the throat looks red or you have had it for a few days.

If you are prescribed antibiotics, finish the course. Tell us first if you have ever reacted to penicillin.

Work, school and spreading it

• There is no fixed exclusion period for an ordinary sore throat — go back when you feel well enough.
• With scarlet fever, stay off school or work until 24 hours after starting antibiotics.
• Wash hands, bin used tissues, and do not share cups, cutlery or towels.

Recurrent tonsillitis

Repeated, well-documented episodes — broadly seven or more in a year, five a year for two years, or three a year for three years — may justify considering tonsillectomy. Keeping a record of each episode and its treatment is what makes that conversation possible, so tell us each time rather than self-treating.