Swollen lymph nodes and COVID: Links and more Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe Swollen lymph nodes and COVID-19 LinksMedically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP — By Danielle Dresden on August 9, 2022People have lymph nodes, commonly called lymph glands, throughout their bodies. Research suggests that swollen lymph nodes can be a side effect of COVID-19 vaccination or a symptom of the illness. Share on PinterestSmith Collection/Gado/Getty Images & RgStudio/Getty ImagesDoctors also refer to the swelling of lymph nodes as lymphadenopathy. This article explores the possible links between COVID-19 vaccination and the illness itself with swollen lymph nodes and additional symptoms. It also looks at other causes of swollen lymph nodes, home remedies, and when to contact a doctor. All data and statistics are based on publicly available data at the time of publication. Some information may be out of date. Visit our coronavirus hub for the most recent information on the COVID-19 pandemic. Swollen lymph nodes and COVID-19 Researchers have established a link between swollen lymph nodes and COVID-19, both as a side effect of vaccination and a symptom of the condition. As a vaccine side effect Developing swollen lymph nodes in the armpits is a documented side effect of receiving two doses of a messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine for COVID-19. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are both mRNA versions of COVID-19 vaccines that are widely available in the United States. Developing swollen lymph nodes after receiving an mRNA vaccination is fairly common and may signal an immune response to the vaccine. In a recent study, 44% of participants experienced it, with the condition lasting for up to 43 weeks after COVID-19 vaccination. Researchers demonstrated that swollen lymph nodes were more frequent in people who had received the Moderna vaccine than those who had the Pfizer vaccine. Typically, a person may only be able to feel their swollen lymph nodes for about 10 days after vaccination. However, they may still appear on mammograms, looking similar to warning signs of breast cancer, for up to 1 month after vaccination. Some medical professionals recommend that people schedule mammograms for at least 1 month after they receive their mRNA vaccines, if possible. As a COVID-19 symptom Swollen lymph nodes may occur in anyone with a post nasal drip, which is an excess of mucus down the back of the throat. The swelling usually indicates a common infection, such as a cold or flu, but can also be a sign of other conditions. A 2022 study documents cases where people who had swollen lymph nodes in the neck and behind the ear but did not have any respiratory symptoms received a diagnosis of COVID-19. Swollen lymph nodes on the neck are also one of the symptoms associated with multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). MIS-C is a rare but serious condition that can develop in children exposed to COVID-19. MIS-C can develop several weeks after COVID-19 exposure and progress rapidly, requiring critical care. If a child complains of neck pain, a parent or caregiver should monitor their condition closely. They should seek medical care immediately if abdominal pain, chest pain, or other symptoms also develop. Symptoms accompanying swollen glands When a person has swollen glands due to a common virus, they may feel generally unwell as the body is fighting off an infection of some sort. Other symptoms that may develop around the same time as the swollen lymph nodes include:fatigueaches and painsa sore throatfeverchillsnight sweats Although the number of cases and studies are limited, researchers have found that if a person with COVID has swollen lymph glands, they may also have some other characteristics, such as:herpes-like sores on the skinnone of the common COVID respiratory symptomsfatigueheadacheno sense of taste or smell Other causes of swollen lymph nodes In addition to the connection with COVID-19, many other factors can cause swollen lymph nodes. The most common are:coldstonsillitisstrep throatsinus infectionsear infectionsupper respiratory illnessa dental abscessmononucleosisskin woundscellulitis More serious and less common causes include:HIVmeaslestuberculosisparasitic infectionrheumatoid arthritislupusLyme disease Cancer can also cause swollen lymph nodes. However, this is very rare. At-home treatment Most of the time, even if swollen lymph nodes develop after receiving a COVID vaccine, a person can handle this condition at home. People can use warm compresses or heating pads to ease soreness in swollen areas. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also help reduce discomfort. Doctors recommend people stay hydrated and rested during the recovery period. However, if an underlying medical condition is responsible for lymph node swelling, treatment with prescription or OTC medications can help reduce the swelling. When to contact a doctor Most of the time, swollen lymph nodes return to their usual size within several days to weeks after the body fights off the infection. However, sometimes swollen glands can be a sign of health conditions that require medical attention. A person should contact a doctor if swollen lymph nodes:continue growing are larger than 1 centimeter widedo not start shrinking in a few weeksfeel more like marbles than tissueare beneath inflamed skinoccur alongside the following symptoms: a sore throatfeverdifficulty breathingnight sweatsunexpected weight lossare drainingdevelop in a person with no clear signs of illness or infection Outlook The outlook is positive for people who develop swollen glands after receiving an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Most often, the swelling reduces significantly within 10 days after the vaccination. If a person develops swollen lymph nodes due to COVID-19 infection, their outlook depends on:their general healthother underlying conditionsthe treatment they receive Lymph node swelling due to common infections typically improves without medical treatment in roughly 2 weeks. Summary Swollen lymph glands are fairly common. Infections often cause this swelling, which tends to get better without medical treatment. A person should seek medical attention if they experience any other symptoms or notice the swelling does not improve. There is also a possible link between swollen lymph nodes and COVID-19. A person may develop swollen lymph nodes after receiving an mRNA vaccine or as an unusual symptom of COVID-19 infection. The swelling tends to reduce over time. A person can also try home remedies such as using a warm compress, taking pain reliever medications, and having plenty of fluids and rest. Last medically reviewed on August 9, 2022Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / VirusesCOVID-19 8 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Ala, A., et al. (2022). Cervical and preauricular lymphadenopathies as atypical manifestations in the setting of COVID-19: A case report. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8846295/Freeman, A. M., et al. (2022). Adenopathy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513250/How to spot symptoms of MIS-C, a rare condition in children exposed to COVID-19 [Fact sheet]. (n.d.).https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/coronavirus/Folder1/MIS-C_for_EMS.pdf?rev=86ff16c350f14db595edd180e0eaa97aMacmillan, C. (2021). Medical experts spread word about harmless COVID-19 vaccine reactions. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/vaccine-reactionsMaini, R., et al. (2021). Lymphadenopathy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558918/Swollen glands. (2020). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/swollen-glands/Swollen glands. (2022). https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/glands/swollen-glandsWolfson, S., et al. (2022). Axillary adenopathy after COVID-19 vaccine: No reason to delay screening mammogram. https://pubs.rsna.org/doi/10.1148/radiol.213227FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP — By Danielle Dresden on August 9, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageCOVID-19 vs. COVID-19 vaccine: Risk of neurological complications A study shows that the risk of neurological complications is higher for people following a positive COVID-19 test than in those who had a COVID-19…READ MOREWhat are the symptoms of COVID-19?Medically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP The main symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath. Learn more about the other symptoms and what to expect here.READ MOREWhat causes swollen lymph nodes in the armpit?Medically reviewed by Angelica Balingit, MD Swollen lymph nodes can occur due to various causes, including infection. See what swollen lymph nodes in the armpit look like and learn about the…READ MORELong COVID: Scientists find 20 blood protein 'signatures' that may point to risk Scientists have found around 20 blood protein ‘signatures’ that could potentially predict people's risk of developing long COVID.READ MOREHow to get taste and smell backMedically reviewed by Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP Losing taste and smell is a common symptom of COVID-19, but other viruses and conditions can also cause it. Smell training may restore some people’s…READ MORE