What is the main reason antibiotics are not always prescribed for tonsillitis?

Antibiotics are primarily effective against bacterial infections, not viral infections. Tonsillitis can be caused by both viruses and bacteria, but the majority of cases are viral in nature. When tonsillitis is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not have any therapeutic effect, making their use inappropriate and unnecessary.

By not prescribing antibiotics for viral infections, healthcare professionals help prevent the development of antibiotic resistance, a significant public health concern. Additionally, unnecessary antibiotic use can lead to side effects and disrupt the body’s natural microbiome. Therefore, the main reason antibiotics are not always prescribed for tonsillitis is their ineffectiveness against the viral causes of the condition.