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Inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis) is very common in children and adolescents. This disease, which is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, is contagious. How is it transmitted from a sick person to another healthy person? Is there a way to prevent it? Come on, find out the answer below.
How does tonsillitis spread to you?
You have tonsils, which are oval lymphoid tissues on the right and left side of your throat. The tonsils are responsible for helping the body fight infection by trapping germs in your nose or mouth.
One of the most common disorders of the tonsils is tonsillitis. This disease causes viral or bacterial inflammation on one or both sides of the tonsils. Apart from the tonsils, adenoids that are located behind the pharynx can also become infected with the same microbes when tonsillitis occurs.
Just like the flu, it turns out that tonsillitis is also contagious. Most of these occur through direct contact from a sick person to a healthy person, for example:
- Inhaling contaminated air by sneezing or coughing an infected person.
- Touching the face, nose, or mouth after handling any object that has been exposed to the infected person's saliva.
- Alternate eating utensils with infected people.
Inflammation of the tonsils caused by a viral infection usually spreads within 7 to 10 days. Meanwhile, inflammation of the tonsils due to bacterial infection will be contagious within 2 weeks. People who are infected with the bacteria are considered not to transmit tonsillitis one to two days after taking antibiotics.
The incubation period, aka the time lag between infection and symptoms, usually occurs within 2 or 4 days. If you feel you have germs, but don't have any symptoms in 2 or 4 days, then you are free of tonsillitis.
Although tonsillitis is contagious, it is children and adolescents who are most susceptible to this disease than adults. Why? Younger people usually have more contact with other people and are less aware of personal hygiene.
Tips for preventing the transmission of tonsillitis
The key to preventing various infectious diseases is maintaining cleanliness, including tonsillitis. You should practice washing your hands before eating, after going to the bathroom, and before touching your face, eyes or mouth. Then, avoid sharing personal items with others, such as cutlery.
Meanwhile, if you have tonsillitis and don't want to pass the disease on to other people, follow these steps:
- Rest at home until symptoms begin to improve or disappear.
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing and touching your face.
- Wear a mask or cover a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Don't forget to throw the tissue away immediately.
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, fruit juice, or eating soup.
- Brush your teeth and rinse with a salt water solution so that oral hygiene is maintained.
- Check with your doctor to determine whether you need antibiotics or not. Because tonsillitis that is contagious is not only caused by bacteria, but also viruses.
