Recurrent genital herpes
A familiar genital herpes recurrence? Get it reviewed online — not a first or uncertain episode. If it fits, a clinician can prescribe antiviral treatment, best started early.
- 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 a familiar recurrence, a clinician may prescribe antiviral treatment
- A first, different, severe or complicated episode needs in-person or specialist care
Is this service right for me?
Start an online assessment if…
- The diagnosis is confirmed and this episode is typical, local and recognised early
- You can pass urine and there are no widespread symptoms, nerve symptoms or serious illness
Use another service first if…
- A first or uncertain episode, pregnancy or a clearly different or severe pattern
- Unable to pass urine, widespread blisters, fever or serious illness, or new genital or buttock numbness
When to get care sooner
Some symptoms need urgent or in-person care.
Seek urgent care (call 111 if you feel very unwell) if you…
- feel very unwell or feverish
- have widespread or rapidly worsening blisters
- are unable to pass urine
- develop new numbness around your genitals or buttocks
- are having significant distress or thoughts of self-harm
See your GP if you…
- have lesions that remain open, or new lesions develop
About recurrent genital herpes
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus and often causes recurring flares once someone is infected. This route is only for a flare that closely matches a pattern already confirmed by a clinician or swab. It's not for a first or new-feeling episode.
- The usual tingling, burning, painful blisters or sores in the same recurring pattern
- An episode clearly resembling previous confirmed genital-herpes recurrences
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.
- How this episode compares with previous confirmed recurrences
- Severity, passing urine, widespread symptoms and warning signs affecting the nerves
- Pregnancy, immune or kidney health, medicines and allergies
Frequently asked questions
Can herpes spread even without visible sores?
Yes. The virus can shed from the skin without any visible sores or symptoms. This happens most often in the first year after infection, and in the days just before or after a flare.
Do I need to tell my partner I have herpes?
It isn't a notifiable condition, and contact tracing isn't required. But telling a regular partner is recommended, so you can both make informed choices.
Do condoms stop herpes spreading completely?
Condoms reduce the risk of spreading herpes but don't remove it completely.
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.