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What to know about swollen lymph nodes in HIV

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Lymph nodes and HIVHIV stages and lymph nodesDiagnosisTreatmentSummary
Many infections and conditions can lead to swollen lymph nodes, but it can also be a sign of HIV alongside other symptoms.
Medically reviewed by Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP
Written by Suan Pineda
Updated on

Lymph nodes are bean-size capsules of tissue that are part of your lymphatic system. The lymphatic system helps your body fight infections, whether they’re bacterial or viral. 

A lymph node classifies as swollen when it measures about half an inch in width. Our bodies have around 800 lymph nodes in various areas, including the neck, armpits, and groin.

When you have an infection, your lymph nodes may become swollen. This is because the infection may reach the nodes via the lymph fluid.

Let’s look at how HIV can affect the lymph nodes, how doctors diagnose HIV and AIDS, and how to treat inflamed lymph nodes. 

Lymph nodes and HIV

Older adult female having her throat glands felt by a healthcare professional which sometimes can mean swollen lymph nodes hiv
Photography by The Good Brigade/Getty Images

Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system, which is in charge of protecting your body — particularly your blood and immune system.

Lymph nodes are shaped like a bean or a kidney and can measure 1–2 centimeters. They help remove extra fluids, produce white blood cells and antibodies, and dispose of viruses and bacteria. 

When you contract HIV and experience an infection, your lymph nodes can swell because the virus reaches the nodes through the lymph fluid. This can occur after just a few days of contracting the virus, or you may not experience any symptoms for years.

In most cases of HIV, the lymph nodes become inflamed, and you may notice raised hard bumps the size of a bean in your neck, groin, and armpits. Lymph nodes in other areas may become swollen as the infection advances. 

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Acute and advanced HIV and swollen lymph nodes

Swollen lymph nodes can happen during the early stages of an HIV infection — also known as acute HIV — and in the later stages of the disease (advanced HIV).

During the acute stage of an HIV infection, people may develop symptoms similar to the flu within 2–4 weeks after contracting the virus. About 8 out of 10 people with HIV experience flu-like symptoms, which may involve: 

  • fever
  • sore throat
  • body rash
  • diarrhea
  • tiredness
  • joint pain
  • muscle pain
  • swollen glands

These can last 1–2 weeks or longer. If you experience swollen lymph nodes for over 2 weeks and they are getting bigger, speak with a doctor.

During the advanced stage of an HIV infection, lymph nodes can swell due to an infection by other organisms because your immune system is weaker than usual. Scientists call these types of infections “opportunistic infections.” 

When an HIV infection becomes AIDS, the immune system is very weak, and you may experience the following symptoms:

  • unexplained weight loss
  • chronic diarrhea
  • night sweats
  • skin problems
  • recurrent infections

However, swollen lymph nodes don’t necessarily indicate that you have HIV. Other causes of swollen lymph nodes include:

  • common illnesses, such as colds and ear and throat infections
  • other viral infections
  • serious conditions like cancer of the blood (leukemia) or cancer of the lymph system (lymphoma)

Diagnosis

If you experience swollen lymph nodes and other symptoms of the early stages of an HIV infection, talk with a healthcare professional.

They will perform tests to help them diagnose HIV. There are three types of HIV tests using a blood sample:

  • Antibody tests: This looks for antibodies to HIV, which can take 23–90 days to detect after exposure to the virus.
  • Antigen/antibody tests: These look for both antigens and antibodies to HIV and can give results 18–45 days after HIV exposure.
  • Nucleic acid tests (NAT): This looks for HIV in your blood and can detect it 10–33 days after exposure. 

Bear in mind that it can take 6 weeks to 1 year for someone to develop antibodies after exposure to HIV. However, early testing is very important. If you test positive for HIV, you and your healthcare professional can work together to find the best treatment plan to address any symptoms and help prevent complications.

Treatment

Experts refer to HIV treatment as antiretroviral therapy.

Antiretroviral therapy consists of taking a combination of medications that can help slow or stop the progression of HIV. This will help keep your immune system strong and less susceptible to infections. Antiretroviral therapy can also address symptoms of HIV, such as swollen lymph nodes.

Some of the HIV medications doctors may prescribe as part of antiretroviral therapy include:

You can also do some things at home to help relieve and reduce the swelling of your lymph nodes. These include:

  • putting a warm compress over the inflamed lymph node
  • drinking plenty of fluids
  • getting plenty of rest
  • taking pain relievers 

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Summary

Swollen lymph nodes can be one of the early symptoms of an HIV infection. Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system, which helps protects your body — particularly your blood and immune system.

When you have an infection, your lymph nodes may become inflamed because it can reach them through the lymph fluid. 

You may experience swollen lymph nodes in the early and late stages of an HIV infection.

Early testing is key to helping you get proper treatment. This can help you address your symptoms, slow or stop the progression of the infection, and keep your immune system strong to help you lead a healthy and fulfilling life. 

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.

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