Symptom 5: Swollen Lymph Nodes
Swollen lymph nodes, especially around the neck and jaw, signify the body’s robust defensive response to the herpes simplex virus. These nodes, part of the lymphatic system, play a crucial role in filtering out harmful substances and are essential to the immune system.
When the body detects the viral invasion, white blood cells are dispatched to combat it. This increased activity leads to the lymph nodes swelling, essentially becoming storage houses for the virus and dead cells. The swelling is an indicator of the body actively working to neutralize the virus.
The swollen nodes can be tender, even painful to touch. This can sometimes lead to a stiff or sore neck. The discomfort, though not always prominent, can be an added source of annoyance, especially when coupled with the other symptoms of a cold sore.
While swollen lymph nodes due to cold sores usually aren’t cause for concern, they should be monitored. If the swelling persists for an extended period or is accompanied by other severe symptoms, seeking medical advice becomes essential. It’s a reminder that while cold sores are primarily a skin affliction, their impact can be systemic.(5)
