If tonsillitis was caused by herpes how long would it take for it (tonsillitis) to present itself after exposure to herpes?

Not a cause: Tonsillitis typically is caused by viruses that cause the common cold, initially. Sometimes, the infection perists and then bacterial infection develops. Herpetic infections in the oral cavity don't typically affect the tonsils. The virus will cause painful vesicles on the lips, palate, oral mucosa, gums and on the skin around the mouth, typically. They can show up 1-26 days after exposure .