first of all..........poor you, tonsillitis is a bu88er
in my experience nothing really helps until the antibiotics kick in, painkillers just barely take the edge off it. I used to get this regularly and the doctor said to try and go without the antibiotics on the last occasion I had it.........once again it was a bu88er........but I haven't had it since....so that approach worked for me.
once again, my sympathies..........keep warm and only sip warm drinks or soup.
hope you get better soon XXX