fsaHSA & FSA accepted; best-value for top quality care
fsaSame-day mental health, weight loss, and primary care appointments available
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fsaNow accepting insurance
fsaHSA & FSA accepted; best-value for top quality care
fsaSame-day mental health, weight loss, and primary care appointments available
Excellent
unstarunstarunstarunstarunstar
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based on 0 reviews
fsaNow accepting insurance

Same-day herpes treatment online

If you’re experiencing symptoms of herpes, timely and professional care is essential. Licensed providers on Klarity offer same-day online appointments for herpes treatment, giving you access to care without the need for in-person visits.

✓ No in-person visits needed
✓ Appointments available within 24 hours
✓ Transparent, pay-per-visit pricing. Maor insurance is accepted.

*Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.

a picture of a provider who can offer herpes treatment

*Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.

Online herpes treatment for you and about you

You’re unique. And your needs are too. You deserve online herpes treatment from a provider committed to you. That’s why you can find a herpes specialist on Klarity Health and access:

Online herpes assessment and treatment online in 24 hours*

Online herpes assessment and treatment online in 24 hours*

From an experienced, board-certified healthcare professional.

Online herpes medication prescribed online

Online herpes medication prescribed online

or in-person through treatment tailored to you**

Confidential, personalized care

Confidential, personalized care

Your information is private, secure, and 100% HIPAA compliant.

*Your provider will discuss treatment options with you, which may or may not include medication.

Book an appointment with the herpes treatment

Klarity Health connects you with experienced, licensed providers who specialize in the treatment of herpes. Select your state to see available providers.

Top-rated providers available for you

Amethyst Maxey, FNP-CAPRN
4.98
Amethyst Maxey, FNP-CAPRN
Specializes in Psychiatry, Mental Health
Sawyer Flandreau, FNP-BC
5.0
Sawyer Flandreau, FNP-BC
Specializes in Family Medicine, Mental Health
Melissa Tam, FNP-BC
5.0
Melissa Tam, FNP-BC
Specializes in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine
Derek Timbs, FNP-BC
4.96
Derek Timbs, FNP-BC
Specializes in Weight Loss, Preventive Medicine
Margaret Gallagher, PhD, FNP-BC
5.0
Margaret Gallagher, PhD, FNP-BC
Specializes in Weight Loss, Mental Health
Laurie Jean Foley, PMHNP-BC
5.0
Laurie Jean Foley, PMHNP-BC
Specializes in Weight Loss, Mental Health
Kate Graen, PA-C
4.96
Kate Graen, PA-C
Specializes in Psychiatry, Mental Health
Ernest Emery, AGACNP-BC
5.0
Ernest Emery, AGACNP-BC
Specializes in Psychiatry, Internal Medicine
Noussaiba Ayour, PA
5.0
Noussaiba Ayour, PA
Specializes in Urgent Care, Behavioral Medicine
Amethyst Maxey, FNP-CAPRN
4.98
Amethyst Maxey, FNP-CAPRN
Specializes in Psychiatry, Mental Health
Sawyer Flandreau, FNP-BC
5.0
Sawyer Flandreau, FNP-BC
Specializes in Family Medicine, Mental Health
Melissa Tam, FNP-BC
5.0
Melissa Tam, FNP-BC
Specializes in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine
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Derek Timbs, FNP-BC
4.96
Derek Timbs, FNP-BC
Specializes in Weight Loss, Preventive Medicine
Margaret Gallagher, PhD, FNP-BC
5.0
Margaret Gallagher, PhD, FNP-BC
Specializes in Weight Loss, Mental Health
Laurie Jean Foley, PMHNP-BC
5.0
Laurie Jean Foley, PMHNP-BC
Specializes in Weight Loss, Mental Health
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Kate Graen, PA-C
4.96
Kate Graen, PA-C
Specializes in Psychiatry, Mental Health
Ernest Emery, AGACNP-BC
5.0
Ernest Emery, AGACNP-BC
Specializes in Psychiatry, Internal Medicine
Noussaiba Ayour, PA
5.0
Noussaiba Ayour, PA
Specializes in Urgent Care, Behavioral Medicine
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a picture of herpes symptims

What are the symptoms of herpes

Genital herpes (typically caused by HSV-2)
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused primarily by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), though HSV-1 can also lead to genital infections. Many people don’t notice symptoms, especially during the first outbreak.

When present, symptoms may include:

  • Prodromal symptoms: Tingling, itching, or burning in the genital or anal area before sores develop
  • Blisters and ulcers: Painful blisters that rupture into open sores around the genitals, anus, buttocks, or thighs
  • Painful urination: A burning sensation when urinating, especially if sores are nearby
  • Flu-like symptoms: Fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle aches—most common during the initial outbreak

The first outbreak usually lasts 2–4 weeks and is often more severe than future episodes.

Oral herpes (typically caused by HSV-1)
Oral herpes is usually caused by HSV-1 and results in cold sores around the mouth. Common symptoms include:

  • Prodromal symptoms: Tingling or itching around the lips before sores appear
  • Blisters and ulcers: Clusters of painful blisters that rupture to form open sores around the lips or inside the mouth
  • Swollen gums and lymph nodes: Especially during the initial outbreak
  • Flu-like symptoms: Fever, sore throat, and body aches may occur

Most initial episodes last 7–10 days. The virus remains in the body and can reactivate later.

Recurrent outbreaks
After infection, HSV remains dormant in nerve cells and may reactivate periodically. Triggers can include:

  • Stress
  • Illness or fever
  • Sun exposure (more common in oral herpes)
  • Menstruation

Subsequent outbreaks are generally shorter and less intense. Some people have frequent recurrences, while others experience few or none.

How is herpes diagnosed?

Diagnosing herpes involves several steps to accurately identify the presence of the virus:

  1. Symptom assessment: A healthcare provider will review your medical history and conduct a physical examination to identify any visible sores or blisters.
  2. Laboratory tests: If sores are present, a swab sample can be taken for laboratory testing, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, to detect the presence of HSV DNA.
  3. Blood tests: In the absence of visible sores, blood tests can detect HSV antibodies, indicating a past or current infection.

These diagnostic methods help determine the type of HSV infection and guide appropriate treatment options.

a picture of herps diagnosis
a picture of herps treatment

Herpes treatment options

There’s no cure for HSV, but antiviral medications can manage symptoms, reduce outbreak duration, and lower transmission risk.

Initial outbreak treatment
Prompt antiviral therapy for first-time infections may include:

  • Acyclovir 400 mg orally, 3 times a day for 7–10 days
  • Valacyclovir 1,000 mg orally, twice daily for 7–10 days
  • Famciclovir 250 mg orally, 3 times a day for 7–10 days

These medications are available by prescription only.

Episodic therapy for recurrences
Taken at the first sign of symptoms, episodic therapy shortens outbreak duration:

  • Acyclovir 800 mg twice daily for 5 days
  • Valacyclovir 500 mg twice daily for 3 days
  • Famciclovir 1,000 mg twice daily for 1 day

This approach is ideal for those with infrequent episodes.

Suppressive therapy
Daily antiviral medication may be recommended if you have frequent outbreaks (e.g., 6 or more per year):

  • Acyclovir 400 mg twice daily
  • Valacyclovir 500–1,000 mg once daily
  • Famciclovir 250 mg twice daily

Suppressive therapy helps reduce the risk of transmission and minimize recurrence.

Severe or complicated cases
Hospitalization and IV antiviral treatment may be required for serious infections (e.g., herpes meningitis or disseminated HSV). IV acyclovir is typically used.

Commonly used medications for herpes

Managing herpes simplex virus (HSV) typically involves prescription antiviral medications. These help reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks and lower the chances of transmission. Some over-the-counter (OTC) options are also available for symptom relief, especially for cold sores caused by HSV-1.

Prescription antiviral medications

  • Acyclovir (Zovirax): Available in oral tablets, capsules, and suspension, as well as topical cream and ointment. It’s used to treat initial and recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chickenpox. The topical form is primarily used for oral herpes. Prescription required.
  • Valacyclovir (Valtrex): An oral tablet used for treating and suppressing genital herpes and cold sores. It’s a prodrug of acyclovir, which means it becomes active after ingestion and offers better absorption, requiring less frequent dosing. Prescription required.
  • Famciclovir (Famvir): Available as oral tablets. Used for treating genital herpes, cold sores, and shingles. It’s a prodrug of penciclovir and offers convenient dosing. Prescription required.
  • Penciclovir (Denavir): A topical cream used to treat recurrent cold sores (herpes labialis) in adults and children over 12 years. Prescription required.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications

  • Docosanol (Abreva): A topical antiviral cream approved by the FDA to treat cold sores in individuals over 12. Most effective when applied at the first sign of tingling or itching. Available without a prescription.
  • Symptomatic relief products: Topical anesthetics such as benzocaine (Orajel) or camphor-phenol (Campho-Phenique) can temporarily relieve pain and discomfort from cold sores. These do not contain antiviral ingredients and do not shorten the healing time. Available over the counter.

Always speak with a healthcare provider to determine the right treatment approach. The choice of medication depends on whether the infection is oral or genital, how often outbreaks occur, and your overall health.

a pictures of herps medications

How Klarity Health works

  1. Find a provider and book an appointment in minutes

    1. Meet your provider online for care and a prescription if needed

      1. Pick up your medication at a pharmacy if prescribed

        1. Get 24×7 ongoing support. Book a follow-up anytime

          With Klarity Health, you’re in good company

          Read through stories from real patients who received treatment from healthcare providers on Klarity.

          Frequently asked questions about online herpes treatment

          *Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.

          The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage.  Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.