Proper handwashing
Avoiding touching your eyes and nose
Staying away from people who are sick
Disinfecting surfaces in your home or workspace
Getting enough sleep, eating healthy and exercising
Getting all your recommended vaccinations
When To Call the Doctor
When should this symptom be treated by a doctor or healthcare provider?
Most swollen lymph nodes aren’t a cause for concern. They’ll go back to their usual size as your body clears the infection affecting them. But if your symptoms are very severe, make you feel concerned or aren’t getting better after a few days, talk to a healthcare provider. They can try to find the cause of your lymph node swelling and determine what to do about it.
You should also talk to a healthcare provider if you have swollen lymph nodes that are:
Happening in more than one place on your body, especially places that aren’t next to each other
Happening without a cause you can find, like a current or recent infection
Larger than 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) across
Very painful or growing rapidly
Fixed (they don’t move back and forth when you press on them)
Draining pus or other substances
Happening along with weight loss, night sweats, long-lasting fever, difficulty breathing or fatigue
Causing red or inflamed skin over the swollen lymph nodes
Additional Common Questions
Can I get swollen lymph nodes after receiving a vaccine?
Yes, swollen lymph nodes are a possible side effect of some vaccines. It’s usually temporary and not serious. If you have concerns about swollen lymph nodes after receiving a vaccine, check with your provider. They can tell you whether you need medical treatment for it.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Swollen lymph nodes can be a literal pain in the neck (or a few other places). But usually, a minor infection or illness is the cause. The swelling should go away once you recover. See a provider if you have swollen lymph nodes that don’t go away, grow over time or cause severe pain. You may have a more serious condition that needs proper diagnosis and treatment.
