Genital Herpes FAQ's
Genital herpes or HSV-2 is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI), caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
What are the symptoms of Genital Herpes (HSV-2)?
Genital herpes (HSV-2) occurs mainly in and around the genital area. Most people notice a group or cluster of blisters or ulcers (lesions). These lesions burn and can be painful. They can appear on the buttocks, anus or thighs, on the vulva or vagina in women, and on the penis or scrotum in men.
Often, before the lesions appear, people describe a prodrome, characterized by a tingling or burning sensation in the area where the lesions will develop that can be noticed during urination, along with itching or discomfort in the genital area.
The symptoms of genital herpes often go away and come back as recurring outbreaks. For most people, the first outbreak is the worst, and can last from two to three weeks. Future flare-ups are often less severe and do not last as long. Still, some people shed the virus regularly, causing the painful blisters and lesions in the genital region.
Recurrent genital herpes is most common in the first year after the initial infection and decreases as time goes on. In many cases, anti-herpes medicine can help patients.
How common is Genital Herpes (HSV-2)?
Genital herpes (HSV-2) is common, approximately with 1/6 of people in North America having genital herpes or HSV-2. Not many people experience symptoms. It is normal to feel anxious about genital herpes, but it is important to remember that it only affects the skin for short periods of time with the majority of people only having a few recurrences.
How do I catch Genital Herpes (HSV-2)?
The herpes virus spreads by skin-to-skin contact and is usually transmitted during sexual interactions such as vaginal, anal or oral sex and genital rubbing. The infection can occur anywhere on the genitals including the groin, buttocks and anus.
Cold sores on the mouth can cause a genital infection during oral sex for those who do not already have the cold sore virus.
When is Genital Herpes (HSV-2) most contagious?
Genital herpes (HSV-2) is a very contagious virus. It is most contagious when someone with HSV has an outbreak in which they have a sore, blister, ulcer or split in the skin. This is known as viral shedding. Genital Herpes can also spread between outbreaks when there are no visible symptoms.
Is there a cure for Genital Herpes (HSV-2)?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for genital herpes (HSV-2), 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 genital herpes frequently, taking a daily antiviral medication can help suppress the virus.
At QuickDoc we offer PRESCRIPTION-ONLY medication to help you take control of your genital herpes.
What medications do you offer for Genital Herpes (HSV-2)?
We currently offer Valacyclovir tablets as treatment for genital herpes (HSV-2), which belongs to a group of medications called anti-virals. It stops the growth of certain viruses, however, it is not a cure for these infections. Valacyclovir decreases the severity and length of these outbreaks. It works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level.
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-2 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
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 VALACYCLOVIR
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?
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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