What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Genital Herpes (HSV)

Audience: adult

After a telemedicine visit for genital herpes (HSV), you will usually receive advice on managing symptoms and preventing spread. Your healthcare provider may prescribe antiviral medications to help reduce outbreaks and ease discomfort. You might get instructions on how to care for sores and when to seek further care. Follow-up visits may be scheduled to monitor your condition and adjust treatment if needed. Remember, genital herpes is a common infection that can be managed with proper care. Telemedicine allows you to discuss your symptoms and treatment options safely and conveniently from home. However, if symptoms worsen or new problems arise, in-person care might be necessary. This guide helps you understand what to expect after your telemedicine visit and how to take care of yourself.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe pain or swelling in the genital area that worsens rapidly — seek emergency care immediately.
• Difficulty urinating or inability to urinate — go to the emergency department right away.
• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) lasting more than 2 days or accompanied by chills — seek urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom evaluation and diagnosis discussion for genital herpes.
• Prescribing antiviral medications for managing outbreaks.
• Providing education on symptom care and prevention of transmission.
• Scheduling and conducting follow-up visits to monitor condition and treatment response.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe or worsening symptoms requiring physical examination or hospitalization.
• Complications such as urinary retention or secondary bacterial infections needing in-person care.
• Emergency situations like inability to urinate or spreading severe infection.

Understanding Your Diagnosis

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It often leads to painful sores in the genital area. After your telemedicine visit, your provider will explain your diagnosis, what it means, and how the virus behaves. HSV stays in your body even when you have no symptoms, and outbreaks may happen from time to time. Knowing this helps you manage your health better.

Medications and Symptom Care

Your healthcare provider may prescribe antiviral medicines like acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir. These medicines can reduce the length and severity of outbreaks. You will get instructions on how to take them properly. For sore care, keep the area clean and dry, avoid tight clothing, and use pain relief methods like warm baths or over-the-counter pain medicines as recommended.

Preventing Transmission

Genital herpes can spread even when you have no visible sores. Your provider will discuss ways to reduce transmission risk, such as using condoms and avoiding sexual contact during outbreaks. Open communication with partners is important. Taking antiviral medication regularly may also lower the chance of passing the virus to others.

Follow-Up and Monitoring

Your provider may suggest follow-up telemedicine visits to check how you are doing and adjust treatment if needed. If symptoms get worse or new issues develop, you might be advised to seek in-person care. Keeping track of outbreaks and any side effects from medication helps your provider support you effectively.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Some symptoms require immediate attention. If you experience severe pain, difficulty urinating, fever that won’t go away, spreading sores, or signs of infection like pus or swelling, contact a healthcare facility promptly. These signs may indicate complications needing urgent care.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a private, quiet place for your telemedicine visit.
• Have a list of your current symptoms and when they started.
• Prepare a list of any medications you are taking, including dosages.
• Be ready to describe your medical history and any previous herpes outbreaks.
• Have a stable internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone.
• Prepare questions or concerns you want to discuss with your provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the medication instructions carefully and complete the course as prescribed.
• Keep the affected area clean and dry to promote healing.
• Avoid sexual contact during outbreaks and use protection to reduce transmission risk.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or side effects from treatment.
• Attend any scheduled follow-up telemedicine visits or seek in-person care if symptoms worsen.
• Communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your condition and concerns.

FAQs

Can genital herpes be cured after a telemedicine visit?

Currently, there is no cure for genital herpes. However, antiviral medications prescribed during your telemedicine visit can help control outbreaks, reduce symptoms, and lower the risk of spreading the virus to others.

Is it safe to have sex if I have genital herpes?

You can have sex if you have genital herpes, but it is important to take precautions. Avoid sexual contact during outbreaks, use condoms consistently, and consider taking daily antiviral medication to reduce transmission risk. Discuss openly with your partner.

How soon will I see improvement after starting treatment?

Many people notice symptom relief within a few days of starting antiviral medication. Healing time varies but sores often heal within 2 to 4 weeks without treatment. If symptoms do not improve or worsen, contact your healthcare provider.

Can I get genital herpes from a partner who has no symptoms?

Yes. HSV can be transmitted even when no sores or symptoms are visible, through viral shedding. Using protection and antiviral medication can reduce this risk but not eliminate it completely.

What should I do if I have side effects from the medication?

If you experience side effects like nausea, headache, or rash, contact your healthcare provider. They can advise whether to continue the medication or consider alternatives.

Sources

1. Genital Herpes — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Genital Herpes - CDC Fact Sheet — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Herpes Simplex Virus Infections — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.
4. Herpes Simplex Virus — National Library of Medicine.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.