Method of treatment
Oral Antiviral medication
Length of treatment
5 days
Further Actions
+ Abstain from sexual intercourse until all your sores have healed
+ Salt-water bathing to help
+ Recommend your partner(s) to be tested
Locations
London or Birmingham.
Fees
£30. Learn more.
Journey Overview
#1 Book a Consultation
If you are a new or current patient and experiencing symptoms of a Herpes outbreak, it is recommended to book in for a face-to-face consultation where your clinician will take a sample for Herpes DNA PCR testing and issue you with outbreak medication.
#2 Dispense Medications
If you are a current patient with a known Herpes diagnosis, you can fill in a repeat medications questionnaire and have your medication ready to collect, or be posted to you.
#3 Further Actions
You will need to avoid having sex until your sores have disappeared and ensure your partner(s) are also tested. If you are experiencing any side effects from the medications, please request a follow-up call. Seek medical attention immediately if you display signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (angioedema).
Common side effects can include headache, nausea, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. If you experience side effects that are bothersome or severe, consult your healthcare provider. They can assess whether you should continue taking the medication or if an alternative treatment should be considered.
Patient Feedback
Eligibility
Best For
Active oral or genital herpes.
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding
Consult clinician; generally considered safe.
Menstruation
Safe to use during menstruation.
Prior/Repeat Use
Suitable for treating recurrent outbreaks.
Do NOT use if
Allergic to aciclovir or valaciclovir.
Avoid/Discuss if
History of kidney disease or taking other medications.
Fees
Testing
Herpes DNA PCR Test - £150 (results in 4 working days)
Herpes Antibody Test - £150 (results in 60 minutes)
We offer a quantitive Herpes Antibody Test (with index values). However, this costs £350 and takes 2-3 weeks for results.
Treatment
Herpes Suppressive Therapy (existing patients) - £60 (3 month supply)
Herpes Suppressive Therapy (new patients) - £120 (3 month supply)
Herpes Outbreak Treatment - £30
Consultation
Included in test. £60 if no tests taken.
Payment Options
- Self Pay - By Cash/Card), but not American Express
- Health insurance
- Klarna – a payment plan to split the cost over 4 payments.
FAQs
Whilst herpes cannot be cured it can be well managed, and with effective medications it has become easier for patients to live a normal life.
Herpes is managed with antiviral medications that prevent the spread of the virus within the body. These medications aid in controlling the virus, allowing the immune system to combat it effectively.
During a herpes outbreak, medication is prescribed to be taken until the sores have healed.
Additionally, there is the option of suppressive therapy, where one pill is taken daily to keep the virus in control. You can find further details about suppressive treatment here.
Your medication will act directly on the infected cells and will stop the herpes virus from growing any further. This is an effective way of managing an acute outbreak or preventing any recurrent outbreaks.
Patients should notice an improvement in their symptoms within 24-48 hours of taking the medications. It is important to continue taking your medication as prescribed.
Your clinician may suggest suppressive therapy as an option for you if there have been more than 6 outbreaks in 1 year.
Some of the possible side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Skin rashes
- Itching
- Tiredness
- Sensitivity to sunlight or artificial light
- Fever
If you are still experiencing symptoms after completing the treatment, please contact your clinician who will be able to advise you further.
Unless your partner has an active herpetic outbreak or is already diagnosed with herpes and needs ongoing suppressive therapy, they will not require any type of herpes treatment.
Please note even if your partner does have herpes, it is their choice whether to be on herpes treatment or not.
You do have the option to let the herpes lesions heal on their own and wait for the symptoms to naturally subside. However, it is important to avoid having any type of sex or genital contact with anyone during this time.
You can help to relieve your herpes symptoms with saltwater bathing. To do this, mix ordinary table salt into warm water in these proportions:
- 1 sachet of salt in approximately 200ml of water
- 1 teaspoon of salt in a pint of water
- 1 tablespoon in a bowl of water
- A handful in a shallow bath
You should soak the affected area for 5 to 20 minutes, and then rinse. Pat the area dry with a clean tissue or towel. Repeat this 1-2 times daily until your symptoms improve.
Other ways to relieve your herpes symptoms include:
- Taking over-the-counter painkillers to help alleviate some of the discomfort.
- Using an ice pack wrapped it in a cloth or towel. Never place ice directly on the skin.
- Applying petroleum jelly may provide relief.
- Wearing loose clothing to reduce irritation.
- Avoid any type of sexual activity to prevent the spread of herpes until the symptoms subside.
- Refrain from touching your blisters unless you are applying medication.
Next Steps
In Clinic
Same day test results +/- medications available for most infections.
Online
Start, continue or finish your care online.
Not sure what you need? Contact us here.