Genital herpes is a common infection that causes outbreaks of painful blisters and sores. There is no cure, but antiviral tablets can shorten outbreaks and make them less frequent. With Global Health you can request genital herpes treatment online in Ireland for €25 if you have been diagnosed with herpes before. You complete a secure questionnaire, a doctor registered with the Irish Medical Council reviews your answers, and if treatment is clinically suitable your prescription is sent to the Irish pharmacy of your choice. If it is not suitable, the doctor explains why and suggests what to do next.
What is included
- A review of your medical questionnaire by an Irish Medical Council-registered doctor
- A prescription for antiviral tablets to treat outbreaks or prevent them, if clinically suitable
- Secure electronic delivery of the prescription to your chosen pharmacy in Ireland
- Written advice on managing outbreaks and lowering the risk of passing herpes on
- Secure messaging with the doctor about your request
The €25 fee covers the doctor's review. The cost of the medication is paid separately at your pharmacy.
Who this service is not suitable for
This service is for recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes that a doctor or sexual health clinic has diagnosed before. Our doctors cannot safely prescribe herpes treatment online if you:
- are under 18
- have never been diagnosed with genital herpes, or this is your first outbreak
- are pregnant or think you might be
- have a weakened immune system, for example from HIV, chemotherapy or medication that suppresses immunity
- have kidney problems
- have sores near your eyes, widespread sores, severe pain, or difficulty passing urine
- have a fever, headache with a stiff neck, or feel very unwell
A first episode should be examined and tested in person, because other conditions can look similar and testing for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is important. The HSE runs free public sexual health and STI clinics across Ireland. If any of these points apply, please book a video consultation with a GP or contact a sexual health clinic.
How it works
- Complete the questionnaire. Answer questions about your herpes diagnosis, recent outbreaks, general health and any medication you take. It takes about five minutes.
- Doctor review. An Irish-registered doctor reviews your answers against clinical guidance and may message you if more information is needed.
- Prescription sent. If treatment is suitable, the prescription is sent securely by Healthmail to the Irish pharmacy you choose, ready for you to collect.
What is genital herpes?
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). After the first infection, the virus stays dormant in the nerves and can reactivate from time to time, causing a recurrent outbreak. Many people with the virus have mild symptoms or none at all, so they may not know they have it.
What does herpes look like?
An outbreak usually starts with tingling, itching or burning in the genital or anal area, followed by small fluid-filled blisters that burst to leave red, painful sores. These crust over and heal, usually within one to two weeks. Recurrent outbreaks tend to be milder and shorter than the first. Sores that look different, last longer or keep coming back in a new place should be checked in person.
Causes and how herpes spreads
There are two types of the virus. HSV-2 is the classic cause of genital herpes, and HSV-1, which also causes cold sores, is now a common cause too, often passed on through oral sex. Herpes spreads by skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal or oral sex. It is most infectious during an outbreak, but it can also be passed on when there are no symptoms. Stress, illness, friction and periods can trigger outbreaks in some people.
Genital herpes treatment options
Antiviral tablets stop the herpes virus from multiplying. They do not remove the virus from the body, but they can make outbreaks shorter and less painful and reduce how often they happen. There are two main ways to use herpes tablets.
Episodic treatment
A short course of antiviral tablets is taken at the first sign of an outbreak, ideally when you feel tingling and within 24 hours of symptoms starting. Starting early makes the treatment more effective. Some people keep a supply at home so they can begin straight away.
Suppressive treatment
If you have frequent outbreaks, such as six or more a year, or outbreaks that affect your life or relationships, taking antiviral tablets every day can prevent most of them. Suppressive treatment also lowers the chance of passing herpes to a partner. It is usually reviewed after several months to see whether it is still needed.
Self-care during an outbreak
- bathe the area gently in salt water and keep it clean and dry
- wear loose cotton underwear and clothing
- apply petroleum jelly to sores to reduce pain when passing urine, or pass urine in a warm bath
- take over-the-counter pain relief, following the pack instructions
- wash your hands after touching sores
Side effects and safety
Antiviral tablets for herpes are usually well tolerated. The most common side effects are headache, nausea, diarrhoea and tiredness. Drink plenty of fluids while taking them. Tell the doctor about any kidney problems and all other medication you take.
Herpes cannot be cured, but you can lower the risk of passing it on. Avoid sex, including oral sex, from the first tingling until sores have fully healed. Use condoms between outbreaks, although they do not cover all skin. Telling current and new partners is important and allows them to make informed choices. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, tell your GP or obstetrician that you have herpes, as it needs specific care.
When to see a doctor in person
Call 112 or 999, or go to an emergency department, if you have a severe headache with a stiff neck, confusion, a fever, or you cannot pass urine. See your GP or a sexual health clinic if you have a first outbreak, sores that do not heal within two weeks, very frequent outbreaks, or if you are pregnant. You can also meet our Irish-registered doctors or see all online prescription services.