Cold sore · HSV outbreak · Valacyclovir · Acyclovir
Talk to a licensed clinician at the first tingle. When appropriate, valacyclovir or acyclovir is sent to your pharmacy the same day — antivirals work best when started early.
Board-certified clinicians · Insurance billed · No subscription
Board-Certified · Internal Medicine · Medical Director
All 50 states + DC·Video visit
In-network: Aetna, BCBS, UnitedHealthcare +18 more plans
Antivirals like valacyclovir cut outbreak duration when started in the first 24–48 hours. A telehealth visit lets you start treatment fast.
For frequent outbreaks, the clinician can prescribe daily suppressive therapy to reduce frequency and transmission risk.
We bill your insurance for the visit. Generic valacyclovir and acyclovir are inexpensive on most plans.
Episodic treatment works best when started within 24–48 hours of the first sign (tingling, itching, redness). The earlier you start, the bigger the impact on duration and severity.
Yes — many patients keep a single-day dose of valacyclovir on hand to start at the first tingle. The clinician can prescribe this approach after a visit.
If you have frequent outbreaks (≥6/year) or want to lower transmission risk to a partner, daily suppressive valacyclovir is an option. The clinician will discuss whether it's right for you.
Yes. We bill your plan for the visit, and generic valacyclovir is on virtually every formulary as a low-cost generic.