Swollen Lymph Nodes with Flu-like Symptoms: Causes & Concerns

Question
Hi there,

i just wanted to ask, i have a flu like symptoms as follows: fever, headache, sore throat, swelling lymph node on NECK and GROIN.

this symptoms subsided in 1 0r 2 days, im wondering why i have swelling lymph node on the GROIN, Swelling lymph node on the neck is explainable because i have a sore throat.

Is it Normal to have swelling lymph node on the Groin when u have Flu? as i have read in some articles it is not.

im 22 years OLD, i occasionally drink and smoke 5 sticks a day.

i hope that you will find time in reading my question.

thank you..

--Jose

Answer
Dear Jose,

Thank you for writing in.
The human body is made with a lymphatic system that contains lymph nodes, fluid and waste products. The purpose of the lymph system is to not only bring nutrients to the cells, but also to carry waste from infections, away from the cells. Because of gravity, if the lymph nodes in your neck are enlarged from a body wide infection, the nodes in the groin will also be enlarged. This is the normal course of lymph.

As the virus runs its course, the lymph nodes will return to their normal size. A physical exam should be considered when the nodes, after several weeks, do not return to their normal size. Otherwise, your body is functioning as it should.

I hope I have answered you question.

Yours in health,

Pamela Cipriano, APRN