At a glance
- For adults with a sore throat and suspected bacterial tonsillitis.
- Antibiotics don't work on viral infections – the nurse won't prescribe one “just in case”.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing your saliva needs urgent medical help.
Tonsillitis or an ordinary cold
Signs that point more towards bacterial tonsillitis:
- sudden onset and a severe sore throat,
- fever,
- white patches on the tonsils,
- enlarged, tender lymph nodes in the neck,
- no cough and no runny nose.
A cough, a runny nose and hoarseness suggest a viral infection instead, which is treated by relieving the symptoms. The form asks about these symptoms so that the nurse can judge whether an antibiotic makes sense.
What the nurse can do
The Minister of Health's list allows nurses to independently prescribe phenoxymethylpenicillin – an antibiotic used for streptococcal tonsillitis.
If your symptoms point to a viral infection, you'll receive advice on relieving them instead of a prescription. If they need an examination, you'll be told that you need to see a doctor.
How it works
You fill in a form
You describe your symptoms and answer questions about your health, the medicines you take and your medical history. It takes a few minutes.
A nurse assesses your request
A nurse or midwife reads your answers and, if anything is missing, asks follow-up questions. It is the nurse or midwife who decides whether a prescription is appropriate.
You get an e-prescription or a clear answer
If a medicine is appropriate, you receive an e-prescription code that you can use at any pharmacy. If not, you'll find out why and what to do next.
When you need to see a doctor
Contact a doctor – and in an emergency, call for help – if:
- you have difficulty breathing or cannot swallow your saliva – this is an emergency,
- you can't open your mouth wide, or the pain is very severe on one side of your throat,
- a high fever persists despite fever-reducing medicines,
- you have developed a rash,
- the symptoms affect a child or anyone under 18,
- you are pregnant,
- you are allergic to penicillins,
- your symptoms are not going away, or you get tonsillitis often.
In an emergency – severe pain, shortness of breath, confusion or loss of consciousness, rapidly worsening symptoms – call 112 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department (SOR). An online consultation is not an emergency service.
Frequently asked questions
Can a nurse issue a prescription for an antibiotic for tonsillitis?
Yes, if your answers indicate bacterial tonsillitis and an antibiotic is appropriate. The Minister of Health's list includes an antibiotic used for this infection.
I have a sore throat and a runny nose. Will I get an antibiotic?
Most likely not. Symptoms like these usually mean a viral infection, in which an antibiotic doesn't help and may do harm. The nurse will advise you on how to ease your symptoms.
Can I get a sick note?
No. A nurse does not issue sick notes (L4). If you need one, book an appointment with a doctor.
Will I definitely get a prescription?
There's no guarantee. A prescription is issued only when the medicine is appropriate and safe.
The content on this page is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
