Are swollen glands a sign of a viral or bacterial infection?

It's critical to keep in mind that the foreign antigen is captured by lymph nodes, which then work to separate, neutralize, and replicate the antigen using B cells.

This is the reason for the inflammation. Since both bacteria and viruses contain antigens, swelling of the lymph nodes may have bacterial or viral roots.

Additional testing is necessary to distinguish between them; the Complete Blood Count is one of the most basic tests that can be performed.

Most viral infections result in a lymphocytosis, or an increase in the number of lymphocytes, whereas bacterial infections cause a leukocytosis, or an increase in the number of white blood cells, but with a more noticeable increase in neutrophils.

A swollen gland can be an indication of a bacterial or viral infection. Bacterial infections like strep throat or some sexually transmitted infections can also cause swollen glands. Viral infections like the common cold or flu frequently cause swollen glands.