This article is accurate as of press time. “Something else might be involved,” he says, and it’s best to get things checked out to ensure a proper diagnosis. Schaffner recommends calling your doctor. If they persist any longer or feel especially hard, Dr. If they popped up right after your vaccine, it’s very likely linked to that-but they should start to settle down in about a week or so. Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that your swollen lymph nodes might be due to something else going on in your body. You can also take an OTC medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help reduce pain and inflammation. But if you’re uncomfortable, Alan says that you can use heat on the area (think: a warm, damp washcloth). If your swollen lymph nodes aren’t bothering you, you don’t necessarily need to treat them as they reduce in size on their own. “Swollen lymph nodes will usually get progressively smaller,” Dr. But everyone’s body is different, and the swelling can last about a week, possibly longer. The SBI’s report found that those who experienced swollen lymph nodes could have them up to 10 days post-vaccine on average. How long do swollen lymph nodes last after the COVID-19 vaccine? Schaffner says, resulting in more frequent reports. It’s also important to note that this side effect isn’t unique to the COVID-19 vaccine, and can even happen with the flu shot, says William Schaffner, M.D., an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.īecause the COVID-19 vaccine is newly developed and we’re all much more aware of potential side effects (and our health after a stressful year), we may “simply be paying more attention to our bodies,” Dr. “It’s usually around the areas where the injection was,” he says, and it will feel like a soft, tender lump. Adalja, M.D., senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. You can get swollen lymph nodes anywhere, but you’ll likely notice them under your arms and in your neck if they appear post-vaccine, says infectious disease expert Amesh A. Should I Get the COVID-19 Vaccine if I’m Sick?.Why You Didn’t Experience Vaccine Side Effects.The side effect was not as common in those who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, but it was still reported among those patients. The SBI’s report cited data that found up to 11.6% of patients who received the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine had swollen or tender lymph nodes after the first dose, while 16% of patients experienced it after their second shot. Are swollen lymph nodes a common side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine? If you do happen to have an infection, an injury, or a disease like cancer, the nodes-say, in your neck, in your armpit, under your chin, or around your groin-can swell or enlarge as they attempt to filter the harmful stuff out of your body. So basically, our lymph nodes work as filters for potentially harmful substances, the ACS says. The main job of this fluid is to fight infections with the assistance of white blood cells. But instead of blood, they contain a clear, watery fluid (a.k.a. Your lymph vessels are a bit like blood vessels. They make up your lymphatic system, which collects fluid, waste, viruses, and bacteria that travel into your tissues outside of your bloodstream, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Your immune system contains a network of lymph vessels and lymph nodes. First, a brief primer on why lymph nodes swell. However, rest assured that swollen lymph nodes are just a sign that your immune system is getting to work post-vaccine, says Jamie Alan, Pharm.D., Ph.D., associate professor of pharmacology at Michigan State University.īut what do these glands look and feel like? And how long will the swelling last if you experience this annoying side effect? Ahead, experts explain what to expect. Play icon The triangle icon that indicates to play
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