See a provider online for same-day cold sore treatment

$29 / message visit  |   $49 / video visit

Get Started

What You Need to Do

  • Select Your Concern & Book

    Choose your health concern (like hair loss or weight) and answer a few quick questions. Pick a time that works for you.

  • Meet Your Provider

    Chat or video call with a licensed provider who will assess your condition and prescribe treatment if needed.

  • Get Your Treatment

    Get care for common conditions—and if medication is needed, prescriptions can be sent directly to your pharmacy or delivered to your door (where available).

  • Get Ongoing Support

    Stay connected with follow-up care to track progress and adjust your treatment if necessary.

What causes cold sores?

Cold sores (fever blisters) are caused by the herpes simplex virus, usually HSV‑1. Once infected, the virus stays in your body for life and can reactivate later. Most people get HSV‑1 during childhood.

When should I start cold sore treatment?

Start treatment within 3 days of symptoms for best results. Antiviral medications can reduce symptoms, shorten outbreaks, and lower the risk of spreading the virus.

Can cold sores be managed long-term?

Yes. If you have 6 or more outbreaks per year, your provider may recommend daily antiviral suppressive therapy, such as valacyclovir (Valtrex), to reduce flare-ups and transmission risk.

Is Pay-per-Virtual visit right for you?

  • You’re 18 to 64 years old

  • You’ve been diagnosed with oral herpes (cold sores)

  • You don’t have kidney disease, a seizure disorder, or a weakened immune system

  • You’re not pregnant

Common Medications for dandruff

  • Your iVisitDoc provider will recommend oral herpes treatment based on your symptoms and medical history.
  • If prescribed, you can fill your medication at any pharmacy you choose.
  • We also help coordinate with your insurance to keep your costs clear and manageable.

Antiviral medications

• Acyclovir (Zovirax)
• Famciclovir (Famvir)
• Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Pro Tip

Start with lifestyle adjustments—like avoiding trigger foods, elevating your head while sleeping, and eating smaller meals. Medications work best when paired with healthy habits.

Quick virtual visits, anytime

Start Your Treatment

Your questions answered

iVisitDoc Care & Access

iVisitDoc offers message-based and video visits for cold sore (oral herpes) care. A licensed provider will review your symptoms and history to determine if antiviral treatment is appropriate — no in-person visit required.

If your provider determines that your symptoms require in-person care or lab testing, they’ll explain why and guide you on next steps. You won’t be charged unless your case is accepted and reviewed.

Yes. You can message your provider directly through your iVisitDoc account if you have questions or concerns related to your treatment.

If your prescription includes refills, you can request one through your iVisitDoc dashboard. If a new evaluation is needed, simply start a follow-up visit.

iVisitDoc uses HIPAA-compliant technology to keep your medical and personal information secure. Your data is only shared with your consent and handled with strict confidentiality.

About Cold Sore

  • Avoid known triggers such as sun exposure, stress, fatigue, illness (like a cold or flu), and lip or mouth trauma (dental procedures, windburn). Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia+2Mayo Clinic+2

  • Use a lip balm with SPF on outdoor days, keep lips and surrounding skin well‑moisturized, and maintain a healthy immune system through good sleep, nutrition, and hygiene. Verywell Health+1

  • Once infected with Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV‑1), you can’t eliminate the virus, but you can reduce outbreaks by managing triggers and, if applicable, considering suppressive antiviral therapy with your provider. UpToDate+1

Yes — even when you don’t have visible sores, the virus can be shed silently from your skin or mucous membranes. This is called asymptomatic shedding, and it contributes significantly to transmission. OUP Academic+1
Because of this risk:

  • Avoid kissing, oral‑genital contact, sharing lip products or utensils when you know you’re at higher risk of shedding (e.g., just after an outbreak or during your first year of infection). STD Center NY+1

  • Discuss with your provider whether suppressive therapy (daily antiviral medication) could reduce your risk of passing the virus to others. UpToDate+1

Yes — for people who experience frequent or severe outbreaks, your iVisitDoc provider can assess whether episode‑on‑demand treatment or daily suppressive antiviral therapy is appropriate. This can help reduce frequency, shorten outbreak duration, and lower transmission risk. UpToDate+1
During your visit you’ll discuss your history of outbreaks, triggers, and personal goals — and decide a management plan tailored to you.