Strep throat is a subset of tonsillitis that can be called acute or chronic streptococcal tonsillitis.
Tonsillitis caused by strep may feel worse and include symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Tonsillitis caused by a virus, on the other hand, may include respiratory symptoms such as a runny nose, postnatal drip, and a cough. Your healthcare professional can order tests to determine which you have.
The treatment may be different since strep throat is caused by group A Streptococcus (group A strep), a type of bacteria, and tonsillitis is most often caused by a viral infection.