The goal of home treatment of tonsillitis caused by a virus is
to manage symptoms as the body fights off the infection. It
includes measures to ease the discomfort of sore throat and
coldlike symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion,
sneezing, and coughing. Things that may help you or your child
feel better include: - Gargling with warm salt water several
times a day. You can make your own salt water by mixing 1 tsp (5
g) salt to 8 fl oz (240 mL) warm water. - Drinking warm or cool
liquids (whichever feels better). These include tea, soup,
juice, and Reference rehydration drinks Opens New Window. -
Eating flavored ice pops, such as Popsicles. - Taking over-the-
counter pain medicines (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) to
help relieve sore throat pain. Follow all instructions on the
label. If you give medicine to your baby, follow your doctor's
advice about what amount to give. Do not give aspirin to anyone
younger than 20 because of its link to Reference Reye syndrome
Opens New Window, a serious but rar