Cold sore treatment online
A cold sore starting? Get it reviewed early, when antiviral treatment helps most. Quinn checks the timing and appearance, and makes sure your eye is not involved before a NZ clinician decides whether oral antiviral treatment is suitable.
- No appointment or video call
- NZ clinician reviewed
- Pay only if approved
What to expect
Talk to Quinn, our AI assistant. A NZ clinician reviews your history and decides your care.
- For an eligible early cold sore, a clinician may prescribe oral antiviral treatment and explain how to avoid spreading it
- A clear photo of the cold sore is required before this consultation can be submitted
- An unusual, severe, spreading or eye-area episode needs an in-person assessment
Is this service right for me?
Start an online assessment if…
- The episode has started recently and still looks consistent with a cold sore
- The sore is limited to the lip area and you are otherwise well
Use another service first if…
- The appearance, site or severity does not look consistent with a cold sore
- Eye symptoms, rapidly spreading or worsening blisters, feeling systemically unwell, or trouble eating and drinking
When to get care sooner
Some symptoms need urgent or in-person care.
Call 111 now if you…
- feel very unwell
See a doctor today if you…
- notice the sore reaching or affecting your eye
- notice it spreading rapidly, or becoming widespread or unusually severe
- become feverish or generally unwell
- have eczema that develops a worsening blistering rash
About cold sore
A cold sore is a recurring herpes-virus blister, usually on or around the lip. A familiar episode may begin with tingling before small painful blisters appear.
- Tingling, burning or soreness followed by a familiar lip blister
- The same appearance and location as previous confirmed cold sores
How your online consultation works
No appointment or video call to book. See the current clinician review time before you start.
- Tell QuinnDescribe your concern in your own words. Quinn, our AI assistant, gathers the information for your clinician.
- Clinician reviewA registered NZ clinician reviews your history and decides your care. They may ask for more detail.
- Receive your careApproved documents are saved in My care. Any prescription goes to your chosen pharmacy.
Keep your usual GP. You choose whether to share your approved consultation summary with your usual practice.
What we’ll ask about
Answer naturally. Quinn follows up on what matters to your situation, using these topics for the assessment.
- Where the sore is, when tingling or blistering began and whether it is typical for you
- Eye symptoms, rapidly spreading or worsening blisters, feeling systemically unwell, or trouble eating and drinking
- Recurrence, immune and kidney health, pregnancy, medicines and allergies
Frequently asked questions
Can I get antiviral treatment through this route?
Yes, when it is clinically appropriate. A registered clinician may prescribe oral antiviral treatment after reviewing the timing, appearance, photo, medicines, allergies and safety checks. Treatment is not guaranteed and works best when started early.
Fees and practical details
Your consultation fee is shown before submission. Your card is charged only if care is approved; medicine and pharmacy costs are separate.