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Cold sore preventionONLINE VISIT

Get fast, convenient care for preventing cold sores. No appointment needed.

Medication to prevent cold sores (for those with a previous diagnosis)

  • 5-10 minutes
  • Treatment plan tailored for you
  • For ages 2 - 99
Get virtual care now

Without Insurance, visit cost is $99; Telehealth is covered by most insurances (copays, coinsurance and deductibles may apply).

Cold sore prevention image
Get virtual care now

Without Insurance, visit cost is $99; Telehealth is covered by most insurances (copays, coinsurance and deductibles may apply).

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

What is a cold sore?

Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are small, fluid-filled blisters that appear on or around your mouth and lips. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1. Common symptoms include a tingling sensation on the mouth or lips, fluid-filled blisters, or crusting on the skin. This condition can be transmitted to others through direct contact. Once you've had cold sores, the virus remains dormant in your skin cells and can reactivate later, causing another cold sore.

Common symptoms

Symptoms may include:

  • Tingling or burning sensation where the cold sore will appear, usually within 24-48 hours
  • Small, fluid-filled blisters or clusters of blisters that may be painful
  • Blisters that typically appear on or around the lips but can also occur on other areas of the face, inside the mouth, or on the gums
  • Blisters that can break open and release clear fluid, forming a crust or scab as they heal
  • Pain or discomfort, particularly when eating, drinking, or talking.
  • Swelling and redness in the affected area
  • Itching or irritation before and during the outbreak
  • Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, and swollen lymph nodes, can occur during the initial outbreak but are less common in recurrent outbreaks
Cold sore prevention image

Get a personalized care plan

Common treatments

Your provider will design a treatment plan tailored just for you. They may recommend the following, as medically appropriate:

  • Valacyclovir
  • Acyclovir (Zovirax)
  • Over-the-counter medications
  • Guided self-care
Get virtual care now

Without Insurance, visit cost is $99; Telehealth is covered by most insurances (copays, coinsurance and deductibles may apply).

We make it simple to get care on your schedule.

No appointment. No waiting rooms. Accessible 8:00AM to 8:00PM EST daily.
  1. 1. Select the reason for your visit
    Select from our list of dozen of visit reasons from the category above. If you can’t find a reason, select a general visit.
  2. 2. Complete an Online Health Interview
    Answer a series of questions about how you are feeling and the symptoms you are experiencing—just as you would during an in-office visit. You may be asked to provide photos of areas of concern, such as a wound – pictures can be sent from your computer or phone. Your answers will be submitted to a provider for review prior to your visit.
  3. 3. Video Visit & Provider Evaluation
    A provider will give you a diagnosis and treatment plan. If we can't treat you virtually, we'll help find the best in-person care options for you.
  4. 4. Prescription and Discharge Instructions
    The provider will share your treatment plan, work/school notes, and other details right after the visit. If a prescription is part of your treatment plan, you’ll be able to send your prescription to the pharmacy of your choice.

Message your provider with any follow-up medical questions after receiving your treatment plan.