Cold sore care online

Online doctor visits for cold sores

QuickVisitMD can review cold sore symptoms and prescribe antiviral medication when clinically appropriate — through secure intake and physician follow-up, no office visit needed.

What to know

Antiviral treatment for cold sores when clinically supported

Cold sores caused by herpes simplex virus are common and often recurrent. When a patient has a typical presentation and recognizable history, the physician may prescribe an antiviral medication to shorten the episode. Treatment decisions depend on the clinical picture.

Start cold sore screening See what we treat

Have ready

A clear photo of the current sore or affected area
How many previous cold sore episodes you have had
When the current episode started and current symptoms
Medication allergies and current medications

May be a good fit

Adults with a known history of cold sores (herpes simplex type 1) experiencing a recurrence
New cold sore episodes with typical appearance that can be shown in a photo
Adults 18 and older in Virginia or West Virginia
Patients seeking antiviral treatment to reduce duration or severity of an active outbreak

Not the right setting

First-ever outbreak with no prior diagnosis — may need in-person evaluation and testing
Genital herpes — this service focuses on oral cold sores (herpes labialis)
Widespread lesions, eye involvement, or symptoms with fever and systemic illness
Immunocompromised patients or patients on immunosuppressive therapy

What antivirals are prescribed for cold sores?

Common non-controlled antivirals for cold sores include valacyclovir and acyclovir. The physician selects the appropriate medication based on clinical assessment, allergies, and medical history.

Can I get treatment if this is my first cold sore?

A first-ever episode without a prior herpes simplex diagnosis may need in-person evaluation to confirm the diagnosis. The physician will determine whether online care is appropriate for your situation.

Where can I read more about cold sore symptoms and fit criteria?

Our in-depth cold sore treatment guide covers common symptoms, who is usually a good fit, what does not fit this lane, and answers to more detailed questions.

Read the full cold sore treatment guide