Description
Active Ingredient: Acyclovir
Cold sores and genital herpes are infections caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV-1, or oral herpes, often affects areas around the mouth, lips, face, and tongue, causing cold sores or blisters. HSV-2, or genital herpes, typically causes blisters on or around the genitals, rectum, or mouth.
These blisters break and turn into painful sores that take a week or more to heal. During the first outbreak, flu-like symptoms like fever, body aches, and swollen glands may appear.
Cold sores are mostly caused by HSV-1, and those with HSV-1 can get infected with HSV-2, which usually causes genital herpes. If someone with HSV-1 in their mouth has close contact with an infected person, they can pass the virus to their partner’s genitals during oral sex, leading to genital herpes.
Where does Zovirax come in?
Zovirax is a brand of acyclovir, an antiviral medicine used for treating herpes virus infections like genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chickenpox.
It treats the first genital herpes outbreak and non-severe skin and mouth herpes (cold sores) in people with weak immune systems.
Acyclovir slows the herpes virus’s growth and spread in the body, reducing pain duration and helping sores heal quicker. But bear in mind, it doesn’t cure herpes, prevent the infection from returning, or stop herpes from spreading to others.
How long does it take to work?
The time Zovirax takes to work depends on the condition treated and symptom severity. Start Zovirax treatment as soon as symptoms like tingling, burning, or blisters appear.
Everyone reacts differently to Zovirax. For most HSV outbreaks, you may feel better within a few days of taking the tablets. If you don’t feel better after finishing the tablets, talk to your doctor.
If your outbreak worsens while taking Zovirax, consult your doctor, as you might need a higher dose. Never increase the dose without a doctor’s approval.
How long does an outbreak of herpes last when you take Zovirax?
Herpes outbreaks can last one to two weeks, and symptoms may last around 7 days without treatment.
The first outbreak could be longer. Zovirax can help you feel better within a few days if taken at the first signs of an outbreak and heal sores and blisters faster than without treatment.
Can I be sexually active while taking Zovirax?
If you’ve been prescribed Zovirax for cold sores, avoid oral sex or kissing until they’re fully healed.
Likewise, when prescribed Zovirax for genital herpes, don’t have sex until all blisters and sores heal.
Doctors advise wearing a condom when having sex. This is true whether or not you have had any, or even after the sores are gone, to reduce the risk of infecting your partner.
Here’s how you should take Zovirax tablets.
Take Zovirax tablets with a full glass of water to help your kidneys function well. If it’s hard to swallow tablets, dissolve Zovirax in half a glass of water, stir until dissolved, and drink it all. Take it whichever way suits you best, be it with food or without. Follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor and space your doses evenly throughout the day.
How can Zovirax be used?
Your doctor will have the last word on this:
- To suppress herpes, take it 2 times a day for up to a year.
- To prevent or treat HSV outbreaks, take 200mg every 4 hours, 5 times a day for 5 days. Start as soon as you notice the first symptoms.
- For cold sore suppression, take it daily for up to a year to reduce the chances of outbreaks by a third.
Summary
Cold sores and genital herpes, caused by HSV-1 and HSV-2, can be transmitted through close contact, like oral sex. Zovirax is an antiviral medication that helps treat herpes infections but doesn’t cure or prevent their spread. Its effectiveness varies, and starting treatment early can shorten outbreak duration. Avoid sexual activity during outbreaks and use condoms to reduce infection risk. Follow the doctor’s instructions and maintain a consistent dosing schedule when taking Zovirax.
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