One tonsil swollen, painful. had a fever today. painful lump on neck right where the tonsil is. hurts to swallow and breathe. overall body ache.

Could be strep. : Most cases of acute pharyngitis in adults are caused by respiratory viruses or Streptococcus bacteria. In the presence of fever, lymphadenopathy, swollen tonsils, and absence of cough, it is worth being checked for strep throat and starting antibiotics if positive. If one is having difficulty swallowing and managing one’s secretions, or having any respiratory distress, it is a medical emergency.