“Can I catch tonsillitis from my child?”

"Tonsillitis" -- inflammation of the tonsils -- is most often infectious, although that infection could be either bacterial (like strep) or viral. Like all infections, they can be transmitted to others. Tonsillitis is spread by respiratory droplet/oral secretions, so saliva, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, etc. Hand washing is the best way to stay healthy, along w/not having people cough/sneeze in your face.

Shelley C. Springer, MD, MBA, MSc, JD, FAAP
Pediatrician/Neonatologist
Casper Children's Center, LLC

alt email: scspringer@mindspring.com

If the tonsillitis is caused by a virus or bacteria, then yes.

You can if you have close contact such as kissing her mouth, sharing food, etc., if it's spread through mouth secretions.