How can antiviral medications help treat my oral herpes?

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Although there is no way to get rid of the virus that causes oral herpes, antiviral medications can help you manage your symptoms. As soon as you feel a cold sore beginning to develop, use an antiviral medication to ease irritation and to help your cold sore heal faster. Talk to your doctor about possible antiviral treatments.

Continue Learning about Oral Herpes (Cold Sores)

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Oral herpes, or cold sores, develop as a result of the herpes simplex virus. Herpes simplex virus ty...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

As long as you have a cold sore, the virus is still contagious. An outbreak of oral herpes should go...

Jill A. Grimes, MD

Once you have one type of herpes, you will not get that same type of herpes in a different spot ...

Dr. Michael Roizen, MD

Colds sores and shingles are distinct viruses, but you can think of them as cousins since they have ...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Oral Herpes (Cold Sores)

If you have a cold sore then you have been affected by the contagious virus herpes simplex type 1, otherwise known as oral herpes. Herpes simplex type 1 differs from herpes simplex type 2, which will usually cause sores in your genital area. If you have oral herpes you may never notice any symptoms. Or, you may develop painful sores on your lips or other facial areas that last for many days. To relieve the pain of your cold sores, consider pain-relieving ointments, as there is no medical cure for oral herpes. However, if your cold sore does not clear up within one to two weeks, visit your doctor to make sure there is no underlying bacterial infection.

Learn More