Bidwell Health
Online Cold Sore Treatment — $45 Visit
Bidwell offers a $45 online visit for adults ages 18-64 who have already been diagnosed with oral herpes or cold sores. A licensed clinician can review episodic outbreak treatment or prevention options and send antiviral medication to your pharmacy only if clinically appropriate.
Can I get cold sore treatment online?
Yes, if you already know these are cold sores and you do not have red flags. Cold sore patients often need fast access because treatment works best when started early, especially during tingling, burning, or the first sign of a lesion.
What does Bidwell treat?
Bidwell treats recurrent cold sores in adults with a prior diagnosis. The clinician may consider oral valacyclovir depending on your history and what is clinically appropriate. Bidwell is not currently offering acyclovir, famciclovir, or topical acyclovir through this visit.
When should I start medicine for a cold sore?
Antiviral medicine is generally most useful when started as early as possible in an outbreak. Patients often describe a prodrome: tingling, burning, itching, or tenderness before the sore appears. If you are unsure whether this is a cold sore, do not guess; get examined.
Who should not use this visit?
Do not use this visit for a first-ever mouth sore, sores near the eye, severe swelling, trouble swallowing, fever with severe illness, immunocompromising conditions, or any lesion you are not sure is oral herpes. Those situations need in-person evaluation.
What about topical acyclovir cream?
Topical acyclovir cream may be appropriate for some cold sore patients, but oral antivirals are often more useful when started early. Bidwell lets you share your preference, but the clinician makes the prescribing decision.
Frequently asked questions
Is a cold sore the same as herpes?
Cold sores are usually caused by herpes simplex virus, commonly HSV-1.
Can I use this for a new mouth sore?
No. Bidwell requires a prior diagnosis and does not diagnose new sores online.
Does Bidwell sell cold sore medication?
No. Bidwell provides the online visit. Medication is filled at your pharmacy if prescribed.