How to Prevent and Avoid Tonsillitis in Adults

How to Prevent and Avoid Tonsillitis in Adults

Tonsillitis is an infection in the tonsils which usually occurs in children. But often adults are also infected as tonsillitis is an infectious disease because the virus or bacteria causing the tonsillitis infection are contagious. But by using some basic hygienic precautions Tonsillitis can be prevented from spreading.

In this oneHOWTO article we explain how to prevent the spread of tonsillitis in adults. To find out how to Cure Tonsillitis see our other article which contains various Home Remedies for those who have already contracted some form of Tonsillitis.

What is Tonsillitis?

The tonsils are two masses of tissue situated at the back of a person’s throat. They act as filters by trapping germs which can enter the air passage and can cause infection. They even produce antibodies to fight off infection. But when they are overwhelmed by viruses and bacteria they can themselves becomes infected.

When tonsils become infected they swell and become inflamed. It is this kind infection in the tonsils which is known as Tonsillitis. Most cases of tonsillitis are resolved within a few days without antibiotic medication. But if symptoms persist then it is advised to seek medical help.

Tonsillitis is Contagious

Tonsillitis is contagious and spreads by droplets from direct physical contact like kissing or by airborne droplets which spreads while coughing or sneezing.

Tonsillitis caused from bacteria can be treated with antibiotics. The patient suffering from bacteria induced tonsillitis is not contagious 24 to 48 hours after starting antibiotics. But tonsillitis caused by bacteria can be contagious for about 2 weeks if left untreated. Tonsillitis caused by a virus is contagious for 7 to 10 days.

Prevention of Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis can be prevented in adults using the following precautions:

  • Avoid close contact with the person suffering from Tonsillitis like shaking hands, hugging etc.
  • Avoid prolonged contact with the person suffering from bacteria induced tonsillitis until 24 hours after the antibiotics are started.
  • Ask the sick person to wash their hands regularly; especially after using the toilet

 

  • Do not share a toothbrush or other personal items with the person suffering from Tonsillitis.

 

  • Avoid sharing utensils, water bottles, glasses and food with the sick person till they are cured.
  • Regularly wash and disinfect the surface and things which a person suffering from Tonsillitis comes in contact with.

 

  • Ask the sick person to cover their moth with hands or a tissue while sneezing. After sneezing ask them to wash and disinfect their hands properly using a hand sanitizer. If the sick person is using tissue then ask him/ her to dispose the tissue in places where it won’t come in contact with other people.

 

  • Avoid smoking as it increases the risk of developing tonsillitis.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to How to Prevent and Avoid Tonsillitis in Adults, we recommend you visit our Family health category.