It only takes 2 minutes, and is 100% confidential.
Up to 80% of US adults may be silent carriers of the herpes virus, which can cause cold sores. Cold sores often are mild, but if you suffer from frequent or severe outbreaks, antiviral medication could help you.
We can prescribe Acyclovir antiviral tablets to prevent and treat oral herpes outbreaks
Prices from:
For cold sore prevention and treatment
Sort by:
“Amazing purchase experience, very fast and efficent service…”
Our delivery is reliable and discreet, so only you know what’s inside. No code needed.
Reviewed by Dr Roy Kedem, MD
Information last reviewed 11/04/19
Cold sores appear as tiny, fluid-filled blisters, often in clusters or patches around the mouth and lips. A crust will form over the affected area once the blisters break. Cold sores are frequently recurrent, although some people will only experience one outbreak in their lifetime. Subsequent outbreaks usually occur in the same location as the initial eruption, but are generally less severe and of lesser duration than the initial.
Cold sores are usually caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1). Most people are exposed to HSV1 in childhood, usually from an infected friend or family member, although only about 30% will ever go on to show symptoms. As part of the herpes simplex family of viruses, HSV1 is not curable and may recur. When not active, the virus hides inside nerve cells until reemerging during the next outbreak.
Although less common, cold sores can also be caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2), generally known as genital herpes.
Once the virus is present, many factors may contribute to triggering an outbreak, including but not limited to the following:
Like all herpes simplex viruses, cold sores are highly contagious and transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. Cold sores caused by HSV1 are typically transmitted through mouth-to-mouth contact, such as kissing.
HSV2 (genital herpes) can also cause cold sores. In this case, transmission is usually through genital-to-mouth contact during oral sex. The reverse is also possible, with an HSV1 cold sore being transmitted to a partner’s genitals via mouth-to-genital contact. The virus is most contagious during an outbreak, particularly when blisters are oozing, but may be transmitted even when the virus is dormant. Avoid direct contact whenever an active cold sore outbreak is present.
You can further prevent transmission by avoiding sharing items such a toothbrush, towel, lip balm and utensils. Washing your hands carefully after touching an affected area may also help. Antiviral medications may reduce the rate of HSV transmission but do not eliminate the risk.
Symptoms can appear from two to 12 days after initial exposure to the virus. The first sign can often be flu-like symptoms, such as fever, body aches, swollen glands in the neck, and a sore throat.
Although cold sores can last up to a month, outbreaks rarely last longer than two weeks and move through a predictable pattern of stages:
Cold sores normally do not require urgent medical attention and will heal on their own. Reasons to see your doctor may include:
Your doctor will generally diagnose a cold sore visually, just by looking at it. If confirmation is desired, a swab of the sore may be taken to confirm the presence of the herpes simplex virus.
Although not common, complications from cold sores can arise in other parts of the body, including:
Certain medical conditions and treatments increase the risk of complications from HSV infections. Be sure to inform your doctor of any of the following compromises to your immune system:
In these cases, your doctor may recommend regular use of antiviral medications such as Famciclovir (Famvir) to prevent complications.
Cold sores are often mild and may not require any specialized treatment. In cases where cold sores are particularly frequent or severe, antiviral medications can be used to reduce the frequency, severity and duration of cold sore outbreaks.
Antiviral creams such as Doconazole or Acyclovir cream are applied directly to the affected area. Acyclovir and Valacyclovir are also prescribed in oral tablet form. Acyclovir (Zovirax) is most often used to treat an existing outbreak. Valacyclovir (Valtrex) is indicated for existing outbreaks, and is also prescribed as a daily medication to help prevent recurrences. Your doctor will decide which medication is best for you.
For those with compromised immune systems, the prescription cream Penciclovir, may be prescribed at the first sign of an outbreak to help reduce its duration. In cases of severe complications, hospital admission for IV administration of antiviral medication along with close medical supervision may be warranted.
If your cold sore outbreaks are particularly frequent or severe, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications, such as Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir) or Valacyclovir (Valtrex) on a daily basis. This is referred to as suppression therapy and is normally considered for individuals who have more than six outbreaks per year.
As stress, fatigue and a compromised immune system are all known triggers for cold sore outbreaks, take steps to keep your body and mind healthy through regular relaxation, moderate exercise, and healthy eating. Add high-lysine foods to your diet, including fish, eggs and some dairy products. Apply sunscreen to your face and mouth daily, as UV light exposure can commonly lead to outbreaks. Remember to regularly replace your toothbrush and razor - particularly after experiencing an outbreak.
Cold sores are highly contagious, however, steps can be taken to help prevent transmission to others: Avoid touching blisters and always wash your hands after applying medication; do not share toothbrushes, towels, razors or eating utensils, and avoid physical contact between the affected area and others when you are experiencing an outbreak.
It is possible to transmit the virus, even when you are not having an outbreak. Antiviral medications such as Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir) or Valacyclovir (Valtrex) can reduce the likelihood of transmission.
Cold sores normally appear on the outside of the mouth, around the lips. Sores inside the mouth may occur, but are more common in children under the age of five. When cold sores do appear inside the mouth it is usually in non-movable areas, such as the gums or roof of the mouth. Sores inside the mouth may be canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers. Like cold sores, canker sores can be a recurring problem and quite painful. Unlike cold sores, however, canker sores are not contagious.
Cold sores can be transmitted to the genital area. Cold sores are usually associated with HSV1, while genital herpes is usually associated with HSV2. However, either strain of the virus can affect both the mouth and the genitals. If someone with a history of cold sores performs oral sex on a partner, it is possible to transmit the virus to their partner’s genitals. While transmission is most likely to occur while a cold sore is actively present, it may still be possible to spread the virus while it is dormant. If this is of concern, antiviral medications such as Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir) or Valacyclovir (Valtrex) taken on a daily basis may help reduce the risk of transmission.
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. You and your physician will determine if and how you should take any medication prescribed to you following a medical consultation.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV for short) is a viral infection that can either result in oral cold sores, genital cold sores, or both. HSV can come in 2 forms, type 1 and 2. The World Health Organisation estimates that 3.7 billion people under 50 have HSV-1 globally, while 491 million people aged 15-49 have HSV-2.
Cold sores are virus infections in the mouth area, mostly on and around the lips. They are triggered by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and they show up as blisters that initially ooze fluid and eventually are covered by a crust and scab. After they’ve healed, there aren’t any scars left. HSV is divided into two subcategories: HSV-1 and HSV-2. The former mostly is responsible for oral herpes, i.e., cold sores, while the latter type tends to be more common with genital herpes. But, in principle, both types can cause either oral or genital herpes. Hence, oral sex is a vaginal herpes risk factor just like sexual intercourse.
Cold sores are viral infections on your lips or in the corners of your lips that are caused by the HSV (herpes simplex virus). Cold sores appear as blisters that first ooze and later on form a crust and scab. Fortunately, they then heal without leaving any scars. HSV can be either type 1 or type 2, and we, therefore, talk of HSV-1 and HSV-2. Oral herpes, i.e., the one that shows up on your lips typically is HSV-1, but can also be caused by HSV-2. In fact, a decade ago, both types had equal chances of being behind oral herpes, but now HSV-1 appears to have the upper hand. Both herpes types also can cause genital infections, which are characterized by sores in the genital area.
Cold sores and angular cheilitis both affect the lips and the areas around the mouth. The symptoms can be similar though so let’s take a look at both conditions so you can tell the difference between the two.
Acyclovir is an antiviral medication for the treatment and suppression of infections caused by the herpes virus. It can be applied topically or can be taken orally in the form of tablets or a liquid suspension. But not all options are available over-the-counter.
Acyclovir (aciclovir) is an antiviral drug used to treat infections caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is used for both herpes type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes type 2 (HSV-2) infections.
Many prescription medications can cause side effects and interact with other medicines or substances. Drinking alcohol whilst taking certain drugs could heighten side effects or interfere with the efficacy of the medicine.
It’s easy to mistake canker for cold sores. They’re both located in or around the mouth and they can look like small white blisters. But they have very different causes. Understanding what distinguishes canker sores from cold sores means you can get the right treatment for a speedy healing process.
Cold sores can be annoying. At times it may feel unfair and like you’re the only person suffering from this natural smooch deterrent, but rest assured, the white blisters surrounding your lips are incredibly common.
Cold sores are small blisters that typically develop around the lips or mouth. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV 1). Half of the world’s population (around 3.7 billion) are carriers of HSV 1, making it one of the most common viral infections globally.
We’re a fully licensed pharmacy, with qualified doctors and happy customers
I ordered Azithromycin tablets for chlamydia treatment, received it next day in a brown discreet pack, and cheaper than all other pharmacies, can't ask for more
What is your gender?
Cheaper than other pharmacies, received the medicine fast and in discreet packaging as promised. Will use again.
Free shipping on all orders today, no code needed
Prescription fees are for our U.S. qualified doctors to evaluate your request and issue a prescription if that is the appropriate outcome for your case. We want to make healthcare pricing transparent and affordable that's why we set the doctor's fee at a flat rate of $20 for all services which is lower than most copays. The $20 medical fee does not include the cost of the medicine. We issue a 100% refund if we cannot help you including the doctor’s fee.
Don’t have an account? Register
Already have an account? Log in
Message Sent We will get back to you as soon as possible
To get fast delivery and the best prices, choose your location below:
Delivery to Germany only
Delivery to the US only
Delivery to UK only
You’ve successfully logged in.
If you’re not sure what to choose, our qualified GPs can help.
A doctor will review your consultation and message you with a suggestion within 1-2 working days.
New to Medzino? Register
Thanks, a doctor will be in touch soon
Please check your email for password reset instructions. If you’re still having problems contact us .