# Herpes outbreak treatment guide

Canonical page: https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/medicines/genital-herpes/herpes-outbreak-tablets/

Updated: 2026-09-08. AI-assisted editorial information; not clinically reviewed.

Sanara is an independent UK comparison and affiliate platform. The provider handles assessment, prescribing and supply.

## The short answer

Outbreak treatment is intended for an individual episode. Discuss recognising recurrence, when to begin the prescribed course and when a fresh assessment is needed. It has a different purpose from a regular suppression regimen.

## Understanding your options

Genital herpes can cause painful blisters or sores and may recur. A sexual health clinic can confirm the diagnosis and discuss symptom control and transmission.

Short-course outbreak treatment and longer-term suppressive treatment have different purposes. The choice depends on the pattern and impact of episodes.

## Who may be suitable?

An initial episode, pregnancy, immune problems or uncertainty about the diagnosis should be discussed with a clinician.

## Side effects and precautions

Antiviral treatment can help manage symptoms but does not remove the virus from the body. Follow advice about sex and reducing transmission.

## When to get help

Difficulty passing urine, severe symptoms or a possible first episode in pregnancy needs prompt assessment.

For a life-threatening emergency, call 999. For urgent advice, contact the appropriate local NHS service.

## Progress and follow-up

Ask how to recognise a recurrence and when a suppression plan should be reviewed.

## Questions to ask

What should I do at the first sign of a future episode?

- Is a swab needed to confirm the diagnosis?

- Would outbreak or suppressive treatment suit my pattern?

- How can I reduce the risk to a partner?

## Treatment approaches

### Antiviral outbreak treatment

Outbreak treatment is intended for an individual episode. Discuss recognising recurrence, when to begin the prescribed course and when a fresh assessment is needed. It has a different purpose from a regular suppression regimen.

Full guide: https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/medicines/genital-herpes/herpes-outbreak-tablets/

### Daily suppression antivirals

Suppressive treatment is considered for recurrent episodes and their impact. It is an ongoing plan rather than simply a larger outbreak pack. Ask about review intervals, breakthrough symptoms and precautions to reduce transmission.

Full guide: https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/medicines/genital-herpes/herpes-suppression-tablets/

## Costs

The provider confirms current prices. Include assessment, supply, follow-up, delivery and repeat charges. This guide does not provide a guaranteed quote.

Cost planner: https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/tools/treatment-cost/

## Sources

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/genital-herpes/

https://assets.pharmacyregulation.org/files/2024-11/how-to-keep-safe-when-getting-medicines-or-treatment-online.pdf