Why does my left tonsil feel irritated, burning and slightly swollen for 1.5 months after having the flu?

If you have any of the following, go to the emergency department or get immediate medical help: breathing difficulty, rapidly worsening difficulty swallowing, high fever, heavy bleeding from the mouth or throat, loss of consciousness, severe sudden swelling of the neck/jaw/throat, or severe acute pain.

• Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing
• Marked trouble swallowing or choking signs
• High fever with severe weakness
• Significant bleeding from the mouth or throat, or sudden large swelling

These signs may require urgent intervention; do not wait.

Tonsil and throat sensitivity that lasts several weeks after the flu can have different causes. These include post-viral persistent irritation, a secondary bacterial tonsillitis, allergy or exposure to environmental irritants, and laryngopharyngeal irritation from reflux. The definitive cause is determined by medical examination.

• Post-viral (after a viral infection) persistent irritation
• Possible secondary bacterial tonsillitis if immunity is lowered
• Irritation due to allergens or environmental irritants (smoke, dust)
• Laryngopharyngeal reflux causing throat irritation

This list is for general information; examination is needed for diagnosis.

For initial assessment, Family Medicine or Otorhinolaryngology are appropriate starting points. Referral to Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology or Gastroenterology may be arranged if needed—for example, gastroenterology for persistent reflux symptoms, or infectious diseases for suspected complicated or resistant infections.

• Otorhinolaryngology — direct throat and tonsil examination
• Family Medicine — first evaluation and referral
• Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology — for recurrent or treatment-resistant infections
• Gastroenterology — for ongoing reflux-related throat symptoms

Which specialist you see depends on exam findings and accompanying symptoms.

A clinician will examine the throat and tonsils and may request further inspection with endoscopy if needed. If infection is suspected, a throat swab or rapid tests may be performed. In persistent or recurrent cases, reflux evaluation or imaging studies can be considered. The specific tests are decided together with your clinician.

• Physical throat exam and visual inspection of the tonsil
• Throat swab or rapid infection testing if indicated
• Endoscopic examination (laryngoscopy) if needed
• Reflux assessment or imaging for long-standing or recurrent complaints

Testing needs vary per patient and are individualized.