What are lymph nodes?

• Lymph nodes are small “balls” that are part of our immune system.

• They are located all over our body, especially around our head and neck.

• We feel them much easier in young children, so you may feel a small ball in your child’s neck or back of their head. As long as it’s as small as a pea, does not hurt your child, moves around easily (“mobile”) and is not red, then these are normal!

Why do they get swollen?

• Because they help fight infection, whenever your body is experiencing some kind of illness (cough, runny nose, sore throat, fevers, or even rashes) these lymph nodes will “activate” and become swollen.

• Sometimes when they are swollen they will be a little tender / painful when touched.

• The swelling eventually goes away within one week on it’s own.

What’s not normal?

• Lymph nodes should not be red.

• Lymph nodes should not be draining pus.

• Lymph nodes should not last more than one week without improvement.

When should you call the clinic?

• If any lymph node is not improving after one week.

• If a lymph node starts turning red or is getting really big.