HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients
Book a video visit
HealthTap
Telehealth
A member asked:

After taking valtrex (valacyclovir) for a coldsore, how long do i have to wait till i can give oral sex and kiss my man?no sign, just regressing bump inside lip.

A doctor has provided 1 answer
Dr. Jeff Livingston answered

Specializes in Obstetrics and Gynecology

After resolves: Herpes is transmitted when active viral shedding is occurring. There is no easy way to know when that is. A safe bet is to wait until the visible lesion is gone or use better yet use a condom. 80-90% are positive for HSV 1. If he is already positive then transmission is not an issue.

Answered 1/17/2015

3.3k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

The Valtrex (valacyclovir) prescription for the treatment of my cold sores is1 gm. I took it twice for one day at an interval of 12 hours. Istill have a big enough cold sore on my lip. Should i continuetaking it?

5 doctors weighed in across 4 answers

A member asked:

How long till after getting a cold sore can I kiss my baby? Hsv1 is so bad that I have a prescription for valtrex (valacyclovir).

10 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

If I took valtrex (valacyclovir) to avoid a primary outbreak of cold sores (never had one before) and never got a sore can I have passed it on by kissing a cheek?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Scheduled for a colonoscopy Monday. Have to prep tomorrow . Feel a cold sore coming on,on my mouth. Ok to take valtrex (valacyclovir) tonite and tomorrow ?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Will taking Valtrex for cold sores outbreak on mouth area affect the efficacy of combined oral contraceptive (yasmin)?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more

People also searched for:

I have a small bump in the center of my upper lip. It does not throb or itch but looks very much like a cold sore. Should I take a Valtrex (valacyclovir)?
I have a cold sore that never broke open, is nearly healed. treated with valtrex, (valacyclovir) but I kissed someone/had oral sex. What is risk for partner?
My doctor has me on a Valtrex (valacyclovir) treatment 1 pill every 12 hours for the coldsores on my lips. If i stop the pills will the coldsores appear right away?
Is a cold sore on the lip still contagious after it has scabbed over? I have also taken Valtrex (valacyclovir)
Having breakouts along my lip line. Do not tingle like a cold sore, but throb like chapped lips. Have taken 2 gm valtrex, (valacyclovir) no relief. Have picture.

Telemedicine

Primary Care
Manage Your Conditions
Women's Health
Children's Health
Men's Health
Senior Health
Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle
Sexual Health
Mental & Behavioral Health
Travel Medicine
Urgent Care
Ask your question
Didn't find what you're looking for?

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.

Ask your question

More of what we treat

Allergies
Antibiotics
Asthma
High Blood Pressure
Prescriptions
Type 2 Diabetes
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HealthTap
HIPAA logo
HIPAASecure
Soc 2 Type 2 logo
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHO Accredited
JCAHOAccredited
Member App

Download HealthTap

Video visit and message your doctor

Member App QR Code
Play Store Member LinkApp Store Member Link

Questions?

+1 (888) 828-0841support@healthtap.com
LinkedInTwitter
HomeTermsPrivacyCookiesDMCAHealth TopicsDoctors DirectoryDoctor Q&A by Specialty
Copyright 2026 HealthTap, Inc.