THE UK has been hit by a barrage of winter illnesses this year.

Nasty winter bugs, including flu, COVID-19, RSV and norovirus, have been wreaking havoc on the NHS.

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While hospitalisations from these virus have been higher than usual, most cases see people suffer from a familiar set of symptoms, including a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, and tiredness.

Another symptom that can occur, a sign your body is fighting an infection, is swollen glands.

But swollen glands aren’t always caused by viral infections.

Ade Williams, Pharmacist Ambassador for Pancreatic Cancer Action, said swollen lymph nodes, as they’re also known, can be a sign of a range of conditions.

“Swollen lymph nodes can be caused by bacterial infections, for example strep throat and tuberculosis.

“Also viral infections, such as mononucleosis, HIV, cold and flu, and fungal infections.

“Autoimmune diseases, like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or sarcoidosis, and cancer.

“Lymphoma and leukaemia can cause swollen lymph nodes, or when cancers have metastasised form other parts of the body, like breast, lung or pancreatic cancer.”

Ade notes swollen lymph nodes are rarely caused by cancer, but it’s worth seeing a GP if the following occurs:

• The swelling lasts for more than two weeks
• The lymph node is hard, fixed, or doesn’t move
• It is painful and not associated with a clear infection (e.g. a cold or flu)
• You have accompanying symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, night sweats, fever or fatigue
• You have a known history of cancer
• The lymph nodes grow rapidly, or you develop several swollen nodes in different areas

Where can swollen lymph nodes appear?

Swollen lymph nodes can appear on different parts of the body depending on what the health problem is.

For example, if they appear on the upper body, on the neck, under the jaw, or behind the ears, it could be a sign of an upper respiratory infection or dental issues.

Ade added: “Swollen lymph nodes in the groin may indicate infections in the lower body or sexually transmitted diseases.

“If they’re in the armpits they can be related to infections in the arms or breasts, or even breast cancer.

“If the lymph nodes around the abdomen or pelvis swell, it could be linked to cancers like pancreatic cancer or infections affecting the gastrointestinal system.”

‘Superficial lymph nodes’, like those in the neck, armpits and groin, are more common affected by infections and often aren’t serious.

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‘Deep abdominal lymph nodes’, such as those near the pancreas, may be more concerning because they could signal cancers, like pancreatic cancer.

Lymph nodes that persistently swell, are hard, fixed, and painless, or grow rapidly, especially in areas like the abdomen, may be more worrying and warrant further investigation.

Ade added: “Lymph node enlargement isn’t always due to something serious, but persistent or unexplained swelling, particularly with other symptoms, should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.”