Archive note: This post was originally published in March 2017 and records our family’s experience when little Monkey was diagnosed with tonsillitis. I’ve kept the story as it happened, but removed outdated medical advice. The short NHS information section at the end was checked against current guidance in September 2026. This is our experience, not medical advice.
When Monkey Wasn’t Her Usual Self
A few days earlier, Monkey hadn’t been her usual cheeky self. You know when something just isn’t right: she wasn’t eating as usual, she was clingy and she was only just about drinking from her bottle.
We had a few rather sh*t nights where I got hardly any sleep, and poor Monkey couldn’t tell me what was wrong.
Then one evening she was boiling to touch. The thermometer read 38.8°C, so I gave her the medicine we were using for her fever and climbed into her bed to give her cuddles.
The next day I wondered whether her molars were coming through. I couldn’t really remember what that stage had been like with Keira, and poor Evie could go from being perfectly well to grotty within a day.
I’d already mentioned tonsillitis to Mr B, but at first we thought the teething explanation was more likely.
The Moment I Realised It Might Be Her Tonsils
A day later, while I was playing with Monkey, she coughed and I noticed white patches at the back of her throat. At first I thought it was phlegm, but when it didn’t move I started wondering again about tonsillitis.
I did what many worried parents do and started searching online. I felt increasingly sure that was what we were dealing with, but rather than relying on Google, we decided she needed to be seen by the doctor.
Getting Her Checked
I’m glad we went. The doctor diagnosed tonsillitis and, in Monkey’s particular case, prescribed antibiotics.
After such a miserable few days, the relief when she finally had a good night’s sleep was enormous. She woke up wanting breakfast and crisps, which felt like a very good sign that our cheeky Monkey was starting to come back.
At the time, nursery had to wait while she recovered. More than anything, I just wanted her feeling well enough to get back to playing with her friends.
Tonsillitis in Children: Current NHS Advice
2026 update: Most sore throats and cases of tonsillitis in children are caused by viruses and do not need antibiotics. A healthcare professional may prescribe antibiotics when they think a bacterial infection is responsible or treatment is otherwise needed.
Current NHS advice says a child with a sore throat can usually attend school if they are otherwise well, but a child with a high temperature should stay home until the temperature has gone. This is different from the blanket “48 hours after antibiotics” rule I wrote about in the original 2017 post, so I’ve removed that old advice rather than leaving potentially misleading information online.
Seek urgent medical help if a child cannot swallow fluids or saliva or is having difficulty breathing. For symptoms, treatment and when to get help, always check the latest NHS sore throat guidance and NHS advice on whether a child is too ill for school or nursery.
Medical guidance changes over time. This archive post isn’t a substitute for advice from a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or another healthcare professional.
Looking Back
This is one of those little family posts that captures exactly what life was like at the time: no sleep, a poorly toddler who couldn’t explain what hurt, second-guessing whether it was teething and that huge sense of relief when she finally started feeling better.
There were plenty of nasties flying around then, just as there always seem to be with little ones. Keep well, and come back soon. 🖤
