Cold Sores FAQ's

Cold sores are a common viral infection usually caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). They are small, fluid filled blisters on and around the lips. The blisters are usually grouped together in patches. When the blisters break a scab forms in their place which can last several days. Cold sores usually heal in two or three weeks without scarring.

What are the symptoms of Cold Sores (HSV-1)?

Cold sores (HSV-1) usually present around the mouth and lips. The usually pass through three stages.

  • Tingling and hypersensitivity – Approximately two days before the blisters form, many people experience a tingling, burning or hypersensitivity around the lips.
  • Blisters – Small, fluid-filled blisters often form along the edges of the lips. Sometimes they can appear in other areas such as inside the nostrils or inside of the mouth.

  • Leaking and Scabbing – The small blisters will burst after a few days, leaving open sores which will scab over.

How common are Cold Sores (HSV-1)?
Cold sores or oral herpes (HSV-1) is really common! Up to 80% of adults in North America have the HSV-1 virus. The HSV-1 virus causes cold sores around the mouth and lips. At QuickDoc we can offer PRESCRIPTION ONLY medication to help you take back control.
How do I catch Cold Sores (HSV-1)?
The herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) is very contagious and is spread by contact. It is usually spread by kissing or touching someone with cold sores or by sharing towels, eating utensils or other items with an infected person.
When are Cold Sores (HSV-1) most contagious?
HSV-1 is most contagious when the individual is ‘shedding the virus’, this is usually when the blisters rupture, but they will remain contagious until the cold sores are completely healed.
Is there a cure for Cold Sores (HSV-1)?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for cold sores (HSV-1). Medication can help manage and reduce the severity of symptoms. Medication can also reduce the frequency of further infections and spreading the virus. If you get cold sores frequently, taking a daily antiviral medication can help suppress the virus. At QuickDoc we offer PRESCRIPTION-ONLY medication to help you take back control.
What medications do you offer for Cold Sores (HSV-1)?
We currently offer Valacyclovir tablets and Acyclovir ointment as treatment for cold sores (HSV-1) which belong to a group of medications called anti-virals. Anti-viral medication stops the growth of certain viruses; however, it is not a cure for these infections. Valacyclovir tablets decrease the severity and length of these outbreaks and work best when there is a certain level of medication in your system. Whereas Acyclovir ointment is topical and can speed up the healing of the sores and decrease symptoms such as tingling, pain and burning.

What is Valacyclovir?

Valacyclovir belongs to a group of medications called anti-virals. Valacyclovir helps stop the growth of certain viruses. Valacyclovir decreases the severity and length of these outbreaks and enables the sores to heal more quickly. It also can reduce pain and discomfort. Taking valacyclovir can also reduce the transmission of cold sores to others. It works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level.

What is my dose of Valacyclovir?
The usual dose that our Doctors recommend is 500mg tablets taken once daily to supress the recurrence of HSV-1 outbreaks. Medication dose can be affected by a combination of factors, if our QuickDoc team has prescribed you a different dose to the ones listed here, make sure you take it exactly as prescribed. Ensure you store Valacyclovir in its original packaging at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.
What are the side effects of Valacyclovir?

Lots of medications can cause side effects, which is an unwanted response to a medication when taken as a normal dose. Not all people experience side effects. The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people when using Valacyclovir.

 

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Photosensitivity reaction
  • Skin reactions

 

Check with your Doctor (and discontinue medication) as soon as possible if any of the following less common side effects occur:

 

  • Abdominal Discomfort
  • Agitation, confusion, hallucinations or excessively drowsy.
  • Blood in urine
  • Signs of bleeding (e.g., unusual bruising or bleeding, unexplained nosebleeds)
  • Kidney pains (pain in the side between lower ribs and hip)
  • Tremors
  • Low white blood cells (Leucopoenia) or Low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia)
  • Sign of decreased kidney function (e.g., decreased urine output, nausea, reduced appetite).

 

SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SIDE EFFECTS OCCUR AND DISCONTINUE TAKING THE MEDICATION

 

  • Chest pains, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath
  • Shortness of breath associated with a blue colouring of the lips and peripheries (hands and feet)
  • Severe Allergic reaction or anaphylaxis (swelling, facial swelling, swelling of lips, tongue, throat, shortness of breath, wheeze, rash, itching)
  • Severe skin reaction (blistering, skin peeling, an extensive rash or rash accompanied by fever or pain)

 

PLEASE ENSURE YOU READ THE PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET THOROUGHLY WHICH WILL BE DELIVERED WITH YOUR MEDICATION BEFORE TAKING ANY MEDICATION PRESCRIBED BY US

What is Acyclovir?

Acyclovir belongs to a group of medications called anti-virals. Topical acyclovir is offered as a PRESCRIPTION ONLY medicine by QuickDoc to treat the symptoms of cold sores (HSV-1). It may help to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with the cold sores and help them heal faster.

What is my dose of Acyclovir?
The usual dose that our Doctors recommend is to apply to the affected area every 3 to 4 hours. Apply enough topical medication to cover all affected areas. Medication dose can be affected by a combination of factors, if our QuickDoc team has prescribed you a different dose to the ones listed here, make sure you take it exactly as prescribed. Ensure you store Acyclovir in its original packaging at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.
What are the side effects of topical Acyclovir?

Lots of medications can cause side effects, which is an unwanted response to a medication when taken as a normal dose. Not all people experience side effects. The following side effects have been reported as uncommon, by less than 1% of people when using topical acyclovir.

 

  • Burning or stinging for a short time after applying the topical medication
  • Localised skin reactions

 

SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SIDE EFFECTS OCCUR AND DISCONTINUE TAKING THE MEDATION

 

  • Chest pains, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath
  • Shortness of breath associated with a blue colouring of the lips and peripheries (hands and feet)
  • Severe Allergic reaction or anaphylaxis (swelling, facial swelling, swelling of lips, tongue, throat, shortness of breath, wheeze, rash, itching)
  • Severe skin reaction (blistering, skin peeling, an extensive rash or rash accompanied by fever or pain)

 

PLEASE ENSURE YOU READ THE PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET THOROUGHLY WHICH WILL BE DELIVERED WITH YOUR MEDICATION BEFORE TAKING ANY MEDICATION PRESCRIBED BY US

 

 

SOME PEOPLE MAY EXPERIENCE SIDE EFFECTS WHICH ARE NOT LISTED HERE. PLEASE CHECK WITH OUR TEAM OR PHARMACY TEAM THROUGH YOUR CLIENT DASHBOARD IF YOU NOTICE A SIDE-EFFECT WHICH CONCERNS YOU WHILE TAKING ACYCLOVIR

 

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