Herpes (Cold Sores & Genital Herpes)

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common viral infection that can cause recurrent sores around the mouth or genital area. HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause oral or genital infections, and many people have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.

While HSV cannot be cured, antiviral medications can help manage outbreaks and, in appropriate patients, suppress recurrent genital herpes and reduce transmission risk.

Medical Evaluation and Evidence-Based Treatment

What Is Herpes?

HSV-1

Commonly associated with oral herpes and cold sores, although it can also cause genital herpes.

HSV-2

Commonly associated with genital herpes, although either virus type can affect the oral or genital area.

Both types can be transmitted even when visible sores are not present.

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$99

$25

$25/month Ongoing Care
For established patients receiving ongoing treatment

Asynchronous follow-up check-ins
Refill evaluations
Treatment monitoring
Secure patient messaging
Care-plan adjustments when clinically appropriate
Medication and laboratory costs are separate

$99 Initial Evaluation
One-time fee for new patients

Medical history and symptom review
Review of available laboratory results
Individualized clinical evaluation
Treatment recommendations when appropriate
Prescription, if clinically appropriate
Medication and laboratory costs are separate

Start the Evaluation

$75 Video Visit
When a scheduled video appointment is needed or requested

Live telehealth visit with your provider
May be required based on treatment, clinical circumstances, or applicable law
Not included in the $25 monthly ongoing-care fee

$75

Refill Request

Follow-Up Video Visit

Herpes Symptoms

Herpes symptoms can vary. Some people experience frequent outbreaks; others have mild or no symptoms at all.

Common symptoms include:

Painful blisters or sores on or around the lips, mouth, or genitals
Tingling, itching, or burning before blisters form
Pain or burning with urination during some genital outbreaks
Flu-like symptoms during initial outbreak

Outbreaks may recur, especially during times of stress, illness, or immune changes.

Reducing Herpes Transmission Risk

Herpes is most often spread through direct skin-to-skin contact. You can transmit HSV even when no sores are present.

Ways to reduce transmission risk may include:

• Avoiding sexual contact during outbreaks or warning symptoms
• Using condoms or other barrier protection
• Daily suppressive antiviral therapy when appropriate
• Discussing HSV status and transmission risk with sexual partners

These measures can reduce the risk of transmission but cannot eliminate it completely.

How It’s Treated

Herpes cannot be cured, but Antiviral treatment may:

• Shorten or reduce the severity of symptomatic outbreaks
• Reduce the frequency of recurrent genital herpes when used as suppressive therapy
• Reduce viral shedding during suppressive treatment
• Reduce the risk of transmitting genital HSV-2 in certain circumstances

Common antiviral medications include acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. The medication and treatment approach recommended depend on the type of infection, symptoms, outbreak history, medical history, and other individual factors.

Episodic Therapy

Antiviral medication is started at the earliest sign of a recurrent outbreak or during the warning symptoms that may occur before lesions appear.

Suppressive Therapy

Daily antiviral medication may be considered for patients who want to reduce the frequency of recurrent genital herpes outbreaks or, in appropriate circumstances, reduce transmission risk.

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When Additional Evaluation May Be Needed

Some symptoms that resemble herpes can have other causes. Your provider may recommend testing, an in-person examination, or evaluation by another healthcare professional when the diagnosis is uncertain, symptoms are severe or unusual, or additional testing is clinically appropriate.

Completing an intake or paying for an evaluation does not guarantee a prescription or any specific medication.