Which virus is a common cause of tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis, an inflammation of the tonsils, can be caused by various infectious agents, but herpes simplex virus is particularly noteworthy. This virus is known to cause a range of symptoms, including sore throat and difficulty swallowing, which are common in tonsillitis cases.

Herpes simplex virus can lead to viral tonsillitis, often characterized by vesicular lesions on the tonsils and surrounding areas, making it a recognizable cause. The presentation may include not just the classic symptoms of tonsillitis but also systemic symptoms like fever and malaise, all attributable to the viral infection.

In contrast, while influenza can cause upper respiratory symptoms including sore throat, it is not as specifically linked to the tonsils as the herpes simplex virus. Other causes of tonsillitis, such as those related to bacterial infections, are also prevalent, but they are outside of the provided options.