Adult Genital Herpes Treatment (HSV-2)
Fast MD-only genital herpes care for adults in Georgia by secure online video visit, $49 flat-fee, no insurance required.
Genital herpes is commonly caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), and sometimes HSV-1. Outbreaks can cause painful blisters or sores, burning, itching, and tenderness. TeleDirectMD MDs use a structured history to evaluate whether symptoms are consistent with herpes, discuss testing options when appropriate, and prescribe antiviral treatment for adults located in Georgia when telehealth care is safe.
- $49 flat-fee visit, no hidden costs
- MD-only care, no mid-level providers
- No insurance required or accepted
- Available for adults in Georgia (and 25+ states)
- Secure, encrypted video visits from home
Online HSV Care by Georgia-Licensed MDs
- Typical visit length: 10–15 minutes
- Evaluation for herpes vs other causes of genital sores
- Episodic or suppressive antiviral treatment when appropriate
- Clear red flags for urgent in-person care
For adults only (18+). You must be physically located in Georgia at the time of your video visit. We do not prescribe controlled substances.
What Is Genital Herpes (HSV)?
Genital herpes is a common viral infection caused by HSV-2 or HSV-1. Many people have mild symptoms or no symptoms, but outbreaks can cause clustered blisters that break into shallow ulcers, burning or itching, and pain with urination if lesions are nearby. Symptoms often improve within days to weeks, and antiviral medications can shorten outbreaks and reduce transmission risk.
Because other conditions can look similar, TeleDirectMD discusses when testing is recommended and screens carefully for signs that require in-person evaluation, including severe pain, inability to urinate, widespread rash, or signs of systemic illness.
Common Symptoms and Red Flags
During your visit, the MD will review symptom timing, prior HSV history, sexual exposure risk, urinary symptoms, and immune status to determine whether video care is appropriate.
| Symptom | What It Suggests | Telehealth appropriate? | Red flag requiring urgent in-person care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Painful clustered blisters or shallow ulcers | HSV outbreak | Often yes, if mild to moderate and stable | Widespread rash, severe pain, or inability to manage symptoms |
| Burning or itching before sores appear | Prodrome consistent with HSV | Yes | Rapid progression with systemic illness |
| Pain with urination when sores are present | Irritation from lesions near urethra | Maybe | Unable to urinate, severe swelling, or dehydration |
| New genital sores with fever or severe body aches | Possible primary infection or alternative diagnosis | Often no | Urgent in-person evaluation recommended |
| New genital sores in a person with HIV or severe immunosuppression | Higher risk, atypical course | Often no | In-person evaluation recommended |
| Severe pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, or bleeding | Possible STI or pelvic infection | No | Urgent evaluation recommended |
| Eye redness or pain after touching lesions | Possible ocular HSV exposure | No | Same-day urgent eye evaluation recommended |
| Genital sores with expanding redness, pus, or foul odor | Secondary bacterial infection or alternative cause | Often no | In-person evaluation recommended |
| Painless ulcer or firm sore | Possible syphilis or other cause | No | In-person testing and evaluation recommended |
| Rash on palms and soles or generalized rash with sores | Possible systemic infection | No | Urgent evaluation recommended |
Conditions That Can Mimic Genital Herpes
Several conditions can cause genital sores or irritation. TeleDirectMD screens for these possibilities and recommends testing or in-person evaluation when needed.
- Folliculitis or ingrown hair: Tender bumps related to shaving or friction.
- Yeast infection or dermatitis: Itching and irritation without typical clustered ulcers.
- Syphilis: Often a painless ulcer, requires testing and treatment.
- Chancroid or other STIs: Less common, requires in-person testing.
- Aphthous ulcers: Non-HSV ulcers in selected cases.
- Bartholin gland infection: Painful swelling near the vaginal opening requiring in-person evaluation.
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate vs. When to Go In-Person
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate
- Adult 18+ with symptoms consistent with a typical HSV outbreak
- Prior history of HSV with similar recurrent symptoms
- Mild to moderate pain without systemic illness
- No severe swelling, inability to urinate, or signs of complication
- No severe immunosuppression
- Able to take oral medications and keep fluids down
- Physically located in Georgia at the time of the video visit
Red Flags Requiring In-Person or ER Care
- First-ever outbreak with severe pain, fever, or feeling very ill
- Unable to urinate or severe swelling of genitals
- Genital sores with eye redness, eye pain, or vision changes
- HIV or severe immunosuppression with new sores
- Widespread rash, rash on palms and soles, or neurologic symptoms
- Painless ulcer or concern for syphilis needing testing
Treatment Options for Adult Genital Herpes
Antiviral medications reduce symptoms and shorten outbreaks when started early. Some people benefit from episodic therapy for outbreaks, while others benefit from suppressive therapy to reduce outbreak frequency and transmission risk. TeleDirectMD uses guideline-based criteria to choose a safe option for your situation.
Supportive Care
- Keep the area clean and dry, avoid friction and tight clothing
- Warm sitz baths for comfort if needed
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain (if safe for you)
- Avoid sexual contact during outbreaks and until lesions are fully healed
| Medication | Dose | Duration | When used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valacyclovir | 1,000 mg by mouth 2 times daily | 7–10 days | First episode outbreak when appropriate |
| Valacyclovir | 500 mg by mouth 2 times daily | 3 days | Recurrent outbreak, episodic treatment when appropriate |
| Acyclovir | 400 mg by mouth 3 times daily | 7–10 days | Alternative regimen when appropriate |
| Valacyclovir (suppressive therapy) | 500 mg by mouth once daily | 30 days | Suppressive therapy for frequent outbreaks or transmission reduction when appropriate |
| Valacyclovir (suppressive therapy) | 1,000 mg by mouth once daily | 30 days | Suppressive therapy for more frequent outbreaks when appropriate |
TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances. If your symptoms suggest a severe primary outbreak, dehydration, inability to urinate, significant immune suppression, or another diagnosis requiring testing, we will direct you to urgent in-person care.
Home Care, Recovery, and Return to Work
Outbreak symptoms often improve within several days, especially when antivirals are started early. First episodes can last longer. Avoid sexual contact during active symptoms and consider testing and counseling for partners as appropriate.
- Start antiviral medication as soon as possible after symptoms begin.
- Keep the area dry and avoid friction to reduce pain.
- Use pain relievers as discussed if safe for you.
- Arrange follow-up testing or primary care support if you have frequent recurrences.
Most adults can work as tolerated if they feel well. TeleDirectMD can provide a brief work note when medically appropriate as part of your $49 visit.
Seek urgent evaluation if you cannot urinate, have severe swelling, high fever, severe headache, neurologic symptoms, or eye symptoms after touching lesions.
What to Expect From Your TeleDirectMD Visit
TeleDirectMD provides adult-only, MD-only virtual urgent care by secure video. Visits last about 10–15 minutes and cost $49 as a flat cash fee with no insurance involvement. During your genital herpes visit, the MD will review your symptoms, medical history, medications, and red flags to decide whether telehealth treatment is safe.
If your symptoms are consistent with HSV and no red flags are present, we can send an electronic prescription for an antiviral medication to your preferred local pharmacy in Georgia when appropriate. If you need in-person testing, a hands-on exam, or urgent evaluation instead, we will explain why and guide you on the safest next step.
We do not prescribe controlled substances or manage severe systemic illness by telehealth.
Genital Herpes Treatment FAQ
Can genital herpes be treated safely online?
In many cases, yes. Telehealth is often appropriate for typical outbreaks, especially when you have a prior diagnosis and recognize symptoms. TeleDirectMD screens for red flags and recommends in-person evaluation when testing or a hands-on exam is needed.
What is the difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2?
HSV-1 more commonly causes oral herpes but can also cause genital herpes. HSV-2 more commonly causes genital herpes. Both can cause outbreaks and can be transmitted even without visible symptoms.
Do antivirals cure herpes?
No. Antivirals do not eliminate HSV from the body, but they can shorten outbreaks, reduce symptom severity, and reduce the risk of transmission when used as suppressive therapy.
How soon should I start antiviral medication?
Antivirals work best when started early, ideally within 24–48 hours of symptom onset or during the tingling or burning prodrome before sores appear.
When do I need testing?
Testing is recommended for first-time genital sores, atypical symptoms, or when diagnosis is uncertain. The MD will discuss when in-person swab testing or blood testing is appropriate based on your scenario.
Can you prescribe suppressive therapy?
In selected cases, suppressive therapy may be appropriate for frequent outbreaks or transmission reduction. TeleDirectMD will review your history and discuss risks, benefits, and follow-up expectations.
What if I think my partner exposed me to HSV?
If you do not have sores or symptoms, preventive antivirals are usually not recommended. TeleDirectMD can discuss symptom monitoring, testing options, and safer sex practices.
Is it safe to have sex during an outbreak?
Sexual contact should be avoided during active outbreaks and until lesions fully heal, because transmission risk is highest during symptomatic periods.
Can you provide a work note for a genital herpes visit?
TeleDirectMD can provide a brief work note when medically appropriate as part of the $49 visit. The note is brief and does not include sensitive details unless you request it.
When should I seek urgent in-person care?
Seek urgent care for severe pain, inability to urinate, high fever, widespread rash, new neurologic symptoms, eye pain or redness after touching lesions, or if you have HIV or severe immunosuppression with new genital sores.
Which states do you serve for online HSV care?
TeleDirectMD currently serves adults located in Georgia and in more than 25 additional states. During booking, you will confirm that you are physically located in a licensed state at the time of your visit.