I think it's just a cold, if it was tonsils I'd have a fever along with the sore throat.
Last night when I went to bed my throat and soft palate were on fire. I was fully expecting to wake up to find myself involved in a big head & chest cold. Instead, my throat and soft palate are fine, and all I've got is a bit of a lingering cough. Who knows, maybe my immune system is actually doing its job?