What Can I Buy Over The Counter For Herpes

Talk With Your Doctor About Herpes Medications

Its important to first talk with your doctor before using over-the-counter products like docosanol or other home remedies.

If this is the first time you have symptoms of HSV with blisters or sores, your doctor will first diagnose if you have HSV, the type and discuss options to manage your condition. They will tell you about prescription and nonprescription alternatives to treat your HSV infection.

Tell your doctor if you have any serious health conditions including if you have a weakened immune system.

Your doctor will also tell you what you can expect with an HSV infection, how long it may last, and what do to prevent spreading HSV to others while you have an active infection.

Here are answers to a few commonly asked questions about herpes simplex virus.

What Are Genital Herpes Symptoms

Outbreaks got you feeling like you won the STI lottery? Cheer up, herpes is as common in dating as the awkward first kiss. Unfortunately, many people dont know they have it. 1 in 6 humans has genital herpes or HSV-2. Individuals with HSV-2 will experience genital outbreaks for the rest of their lives, although many individuals mistake them simply as genital pimples or fever blisters but painful genital ulcers, call em what you want, are usually a sign you have genital herpes.

• Swollen or tender lymphs in the legs & groin

• Headache & pain in your joints

• Flu-like symptoms

What Are The Symptoms Of A Bleeding Ulcer

Bleeding ulcers dont always cause pain. Sometimes the first signs of a bleeding ulcer are signs of anemia. These include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness.

You might have a heavier bleed if you notice:

• Blood in your poop, or black poop that resembles tar.

These symptoms require urgent medical attention.

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What Helps Herpes Sores Heal Faster

Keeping the sores clean, cool, and dry is beneficial to the healing process. Bandaging, heating, or picking at sores will irritate them and can extend their duration. The most effective method for shortening herpes outbreaks is a prescription antiviral medication like valacyclovir, famciclovir, or acyclovir.

How To Treat A Cold Sore With Home Remedies

While prescription and OTC cold sore medication can promote healing and relieve pain, home remedies may also improve your symptoms and possibly reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

These remedies wont fight the virus, but they can help you feel better until a cold sore heals.

To self-treat a cold sore:

• Opt for cool foods that you apply to your mouth area. For example, suck on ice chips or a popsicle to reduce pain in or around the lips.
• Apply a cold or warm compress to painful areas. This can help ease inflammation.
• Avoid trigger foods that may irritate a cold sore. These can include hot beverages, citrus fruits, spicy food, and salty foods.
• Turn to your medicine cabinet. Apply a skin protectant, such as petroleum jelly, to a cold sore and the skin around the sore.
• Wear lip balm with SPF 30 or higher. This protects your lips until a cold sore heals. Applying balm year-round can also help stop recurrent cold sores.
• Tend to your dental health. Use an antiseptic mouthwash when brushing your teeth to relieve pain.
• Drink water. Keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.

A few alternative therapies might also promote healing and relieve cold sore symptoms, although more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of these remedies.

For example, applying synthetic beeswax to a cold sore might shorten the duration of an outbreak and get rid of the blister sooner.

Read Also: How To Heal Genital Herpes Sores

Can You Buy Acyclovir Over The Counter

When youve got a herpes breakout, you want to heal as quickly as possible. And whilst some treatments are available over-the-counter, others require a prescription.

In the U.S., you cannot buy acyclovir cream or ointments over-the-counter. The only topical treatment approved for over-the-counter sales is Abreva which contains docosanal as its active ingredient.

The following medications require a prescription form a doctor or an online consultation:

• Acyclovir cream/ointments

Acyclovir cream is available to purchase over-the-counter in the European Union.

When And How Are Later Outbreaks Treated

Later outbreaks with only mild symptoms dont necessarily need to be treated. The blisters can then simply heal on their own.

But antiviral medication can also shorten the duration of later outbreaks by an average of about two days. If you decide to have treatment, its important to start it within the first 24 hours of the outbreak ideally, as soon as you notice the first symptoms. So its a good idea to always have a few tablets at home or to take them with you when you travel so they are ready to use. You can get a prescription from your doctor.

In later outbreaks you can take them for a shorter time. The WHO recommends the following:

• aciclovir: 400 mg three times per day or 800 mg two times per day for five days, or 800 mg three times per day for two days,
• famciclovir: 250 mg two times per day for five days, or
• valaciclovir: 500 mg two times per day for three days.

A different dose and treatment duration may be a good idea for people who have immune system disorders, such as an HIV infection.

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Dosage: How Much Valtrex Should I Take

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage form :
• For treatment of chickenpox:
• Adults and children below 2 years of ageUse and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• Children 2 to 18 years of ageDose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 20 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, taken three times a day for 5 days. However, the dose is usually not more than 1000 mg three times a day.

• For treatment of cold sores:
• Adults2000 milligrams every 12 hours for one day.
• Children 12 years of age and above2000 milligrams every 12 hours for one day.
• Children below 12 years of ageUse and dose must be determined by your doctor.

• For treatment of genital herpes, first outbreak:
• Adults1000 milligrams two times a day for ten days.
• ChildrenUse and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Will I Have To Pay For The Test Out Of Pocket

Youll have to check with your insurance network to see whether at-home STI tests are covered.

Insurance does typically cover them, but sites like Everlywell recommend verifying the purchase with your insurance.

Additionally, some networks may reimburse you for your purchase.

However, most at-home testing sites arent currently partnered with any insurance companies, which means youll have to reach out yourself.

If you dont have insurance, youll likely have to pay for the test out of pocket. Some sites like Priority STD dont accept insurance, so its a flat rate of $99 regardless of your coverage.

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How Has My Partner Caught Genital Herpes

If your partner has only just been diagnosed with genital herpes, this does not necessarily mean that they have been unfaithful to you or sexually promiscuous in the past.

• Your partner may have caught genital herpes from you. You can carry the virus without knowing you have it as some people have no symptoms.
• It is also possible that your partner caught the virus from a cold sore on your mouth or face during oral sex. You can pass the virus on even if you don’t have a cold sore at the time of contact.
• Your partner may have contracted the virus from a previous sexual partner, even several years ago. The virus can remain inactive in your body for long periods.

Can You Get Tested For Herpes At Your Home

Do not worry if you are afraid of getting tested for herpes at your home, thats nothing unusual. At-Home test kits were developed whilst taking care of this problem, which is why almost every kit contains an instruction manual and a pre-paid envelope to help you send the sample back to the lab.

Inside the package, you will find a small cup to collect a urine sample or materials that will ease the process of collecting a blood or a swab sample. The only obvious downside of using a test kit at your home might get on your nerves if you happen to mess up something whilst following the steps in the manual. It is not hard to guess that the absence of doctors and nurses will get you in trouble at times.

Pros of At Home Herpes Test Kits:

• Your privacy is protected
• At-Home test kits can be purchased online at affordable prices
• Pre-paid envelope is included in every test kit
• They are fairly easy to use
• Saves your precious time and money.
• You can perform test as per your convenience, no need to visit doctors clinic or lab.

Cons:

• You have to do everything by yourself
• Need to follow instruction to perform the test. However such kind of Instruction manual are quite easy.

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Understanding Herpes With H Hunter Handsfield Md

Herpes expert H. Hunter Handsfield, MD, explains the basics about genital herpes, including the difference between genital HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection, testing options and the importance of knowing virus type, and the three-prong strategy for prevention. See more herpes videos at sexualhealthTV.com.

Have a question about herpes youd like Dr. Handsfield or our other experts to answer? Visit our Ask the Experts page to learn how.

How Do You Get Herpes Causes And Risk Factors

• How to Know If You Have Herpes

Herpes infections are caused by herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. These contagious viruses are spread through skin-to-skin contact with a person who is having a herpes outbreak.

You get herpes by touching a herpes sore or the skin, lips, genital fluids, or saliva of a person with an oral or genital herpes infection. Herpes can be spread even when there are no visible blisters or sores.

This article discusses how herpes is spread. It also explains who is at high risk for herpes and how you can protect yourself.

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Available By Prescription Or Over

• Antacids that neutralize stomach acid. Your doctor may include an antacid in your drug regimen. Antacids neutralize existing stomach acid and can provide rapid pain relief. Side effects can include constipation or diarrhea, depending on the main ingredients.
• Antacids can provide symptom relief, but generally arenât used to heal your ulcer.
• Medications that protect the lining of your stomach and small intestine. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medications called cytoprotective agents that help protect the tissues that line your stomach and small intestine.
• Options include the prescription medications sucralfate and misoprostol .

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Is There A Cure Or Treatment For Genital Herpes

There is no cure for genital herpes. However, daily use of antiviral medicines can prevent or shorten outbreaks. Antiviral medicines also can reduce the chance of spreading it to others.

Though several clinical trials have tested vaccines against genital herpes, there is no vaccine currently available to prevent infection. One vaccine trial showed efficacy among women whose partners had HSV-2, but only among women not infected with HSV-1. Efficacy was not observed among men whose partners had HSV-2. Another trial testing the same vaccine showed some protection from genital HSV-1 infection, but none from HSV-2.

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Pros And Cons Of Over The Counter Std Test Kits

There are tradeoffs to anything, and over the counter STD testing is no exception. There are both benefits and downsides to using this method of testing. Some of the benefits include:

• Youre in charge. Over the counter testing empowers you to decide which tests you want to have.
• You dont have to discuss potentially awkward or sensitive subjects with your own doctor, or even with another human.
• Its extremely convenient to get the testing you need.
• The pricing is all up-front. Youll know what your test will cost before you order it, with no worries about unexpected fees being added later.

There are also some downsides to doing things this way. These include:

How Can I Get An Acyclovir Prescription

You can make an appointment with a doctor or healthcare provider to get a prescription for acyclovir. If it is your first herpes breakout, you should see a doctor to ensure you have the right diagnosis.

Alternatively, you can book anonline health assessment with a medical advisor at an online pharmacy. This is a convenient way to buy acyclovir to manage recurring symptoms or suppress symptoms in the long-term. Your online pharmacist will help you determine the best course of treatment.

You wont need a prescription from a doctor to buy acyclovir online. Acyclovir tablets start at $8.50 for 15 tablets.

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What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Valacyclovir

Tell your healthcare provider about your medical history before taking valacyclovir. This means letting them know about all of the medications and supplements you are taking, as well as any information about other health conditions you may have. It may also be helpful for your healthcare provider to understand whether you are taking valacyclovir for cold sores or for genital herpes and the number of outbreaks you typically experience per year, if you have this information.

Education Is An Integral Part Of Herpes Treatment

If you have genital herpes, its important for you to get educated about herpes and have the opportunity to ask questions in a supportive environment.

Becoming informed will help you learn to cope with the illness. It will also help you prevent sexual transmission of the illness, or transmission to an infant during a pregnancy.

Herpes has a tremendous psychosocial overlay. But knowledge about it and understanding about how well it can be managed can reduce that, says Handsfield.

Your doctor may be able to provide you with all the information you need, or you may choose to seek counseling from a mental health professional or at a clinic that specializes in sexual health, such as Planned Parenthood.

If you have a regular sexual partner, that person should also have the chance to learn about herpes and ask any questions they may have about it.

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How Does Aciclovir Work

If you begin to take Aciclovir 400mg as soon as symptoms appear, the outbreak will often disappear within 1-2 days. Recurrent outbreaks are usually preceded by a tingling or itching sensation.

Aciclovir targets the enzyme that is necessary for the HSV to replicate and grow. By stopping further production of this enzyme, the virus cannot reproduce and create more blisters. This allows the immune system to fight the remaining virus and end the outbreak.

After taking Aciclovir, you should wait until the affected area has healed before resuming sexual activity. Once the virus has fully gone into remission, it will no longer be contagious.

Can You Buy At

Other than getting Herpes tested and receiving the results, keeping your information private during the entire testing process should be one of your main worries. Just by visiting any of the stores of the most popular retailers and talking to their staff, you risk spreading rumors about you having been infected. Being the main topic of discussions is fine only in case you have been bragging about a degree on a prestige university.

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Can You Get Genital Herpes Treatment Over The Counter

No, you cannot buy genital herpes treatment over the counter. You will need a prescription in order to purchase medication.

If you have been diagnosed as having genital herpes or had a positive result from a herpes test kit, you can buy herpes treatment online after completing a short medical questionnaire.

Our process is 100% confidential from start to finish. As long as our clinicians authorise that it is safe for you to be prescribed with a specific course of treatment, we will post the medication out to you in plain, non-identifiable packaging the very next day.

If you havent found an answer to your question here, why not take a look at our genital herpes FAQ article for more information.

Otc Herpes Treatment Today

Over the counter herpes treatment can be effectively used for controlling the Herpes virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2, which is highly contagious virus. The virus cannot be cured completely, but its symptoms can be managed to avoid suffering from them. There are many options to deal with the virus including medications and ointments.

It is well known that the Herpes Virus can be in two major states: active and inactive, or dormant. When flare-ups come in the virus active state, it is very important to keep a good hygiene. Avoid touching the sores, keep the area clean and dry. You can wash the area in lukewarm water and use cornstarch on it. There are other handy things that can be used to bring some relief: ice, wearing sun block and cotton loose clothing .

The most unpleasant thing with the herpes besides its bad look is pain and itching sensation. So the main treatment here is the one that simply brings the relief. OTC or over the counter medicines for herpes and cold sores are widely available. They are fall into three main groups: one group gives relief to pain and itch and is applied in the tingling stage of cold sores other two groups prevent or slow down the cold sore lesion from aggravating. The result may vary though, since everybody has the unique health conditions and different stage of the cold sore severity.

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