Test Your Knowledge

The only way to prevent tonsillitis is to avoid exposure to the viruses or bacteria that can cause tonsillitis. This includes avoiding contact with anyone who has an infection such as a cold or the flu. Because tonsillitis is contagious, it can be easily spread from person to person (via contact with fluid from the throat or nose of infected persons). Methods that can help prevent the spread of all infections include:

• Frequent handwashing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the following handwashing tips to help prevent the spread of infection:
  
  
• Use soap
  
  
• Rub hands vigorously under running water
  
  
• Wash the wrists, between the fingers, under fingernails and the backs of hands
  
  
• Wash for several minutes
  
  
• Rinse well
  
  
• Dry hands with a disposable paper towel
  
  
• Use a clean paper towel to turn off water faucet
  
  
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available. This kills the viruses and bacteria that can cause infection.
  
  
• Do not share drinking glasses, eating utensils or toothbrushes.
  
  
• Do not share food. Eat from separate plates and use separate utensils when eating.
  
  
• Cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. This helps prevent the airborne spread of viruses or bacteria that cause infection.
  
  
• Immediately dispose of used tissues.
  
  
• Replace toothbrush after an illness. This prevents children from reinfecting themselves.
  
  
• Avoid mouth-to-mouth kissing when infected, or potentially infected.
  
  
• Avoid touching mouth to public telephones or drinking fountains.
  
  
• Clean certain household devices. This includes anything that may touch a child’s mouth or nose, such as a telephone, remote control, computer keyboard or mouse. These items can also be wiped clean when outside the home (e.g., in hotels, when visiting family or friends).