Herpes treatment
Treat and prevent herpes outbreaks from home
If you're experiencing oral or vaginal sores, itching, or burning—it might be a herpes infection. Consult with a Hey Jane provider in 1 business day and get symptom relief quickly.
Safe, FDA-approved treatment options
Consult with a provider in 1 business day
Local pharmacy pickup or delivery depending on service
Affordable care
Insurance optional
How it works
Complete our online intake form 24/7
Answer questions about your current symptoms, medical history, and any additional considerations.
Consult with a provider in 1 business day
Your Hey Jane provider will review your chart to assess your symptoms and help diagnose the infection. They'll reach out to you in the patient portal with any questions.
Pick up treatment ASAP
If you need a prescription, it will be sent to be filled at your local pharmacy of choice for pickup. We offer delivery in some cases as well.
Get judgment-free, expert support
We’re here to help. You can talk with a provider about your treatment via chat, or a quick phone or video call at any point.
Complete our online intake form 24/7
Answer questions about your current symptoms, medical history, and any additional considerations.
Consult with a provider in 1 business day
Your Hey Jane provider will review your chart to assess your symptoms and help diagnose the infection. They'll reach out to you in the patient portal with any questions.
Pick up treatment ASAP
If you need a prescription, it will be sent to be filled at your local pharmacy of choice for pickup. We offer delivery in some cases as well.
Get judgment-free, expert support
We’re here to help. You can talk with a provider about your treatment via chat, or a quick phone or video call at any point.
You are eligible if you are:
At least 18 years old
In AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, HI, IL, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OR, RI, VT, VA, or WA (residency not required)
Medically eligible
Hey Jane cares for all people, including all gender identities. We also accept patients regardless of immigration status.
Hey Jane cares for all people, including all gender identities. We also accept patients regardless of immigration status.
Pay as little as $0 with insurance
Hey Jane accepts select private insurance and Illinois Medicaid plans depending on the service received. Not using insurance? Hey Jane offers income-based pricing and payment plans to make care more affordable.
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What is herpes?
Herpes, aka herpes simplex virus, is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects an estimated 1 in 8 people. There are two types of herpes virus: HSV-1 (aka oral herpes) and HSV-2 (aka genital herpes), but either type can cause sores in either location.
Symptoms and frequency of outbreaks can vary from person to person. Even without visible symptoms, herpes can still be transmitted to sexual partners.
Oral herpes (HSV-1) symptoms often include:
- Small, open, painful sores or blisters in or around the mouth (aka cold sores)
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, and swollen glands
Genital herpes (HSV-2) symptoms often include:
- Small, open, painful sores or blisters around the genitals or anus
- Itching and/or burning sensations
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, and swollen glands
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Reduce or get rid of a herpes outbreak fast
The most commonly prescribed antiviral pills to reduceherpes outbreaks are:
- Acyclovir (Zovirax): An oral medication used to treat chickenpox (in children), cold sores, shingles, and recurrent genital herpes outbreaks.
- Famciclovir (Famvir): An oral drug used to treat the symptoms of shingles, cold sores, and recurrent episodes of genital herpes and cold sores.
- Valacyclovir (Valtrex): An oral medication that treats any conditions caused by the herpes virus, including cold sores, genital herpes, shingles, and chickenpox (in children).
We can also prescribe topical treatments, like lidocaine cream to help with pain during outbreaks or topical antivirals you can apply directly to the outbreak.
After you fill out our intake form on your phone or computer, your Hey Jane provider will evaluate the whole picture. This includes discussing your history of prior infections, your current symptoms, and what has or hasn’t worked for you in the past.
Frequently asked questions
How will my Hey Jane provider know what infection I have?
We’ll ask you questions to evaluate the most likely cause of your symptoms. Based on your answers and your medical history, our team of experienced providers work together to get you feeling better! We are always just a message away.
Can Hey Jane help me get tested for STIs and other infections?
At this time, we do not offer testing for STIs. If you think you have been exposed, or need testing, we can help direct you where to go.
How much does Hey Jane's infection consultation cost?
We accept select insurance plans and offer cash-pay patients an income-based sliding scale pricing for our vaginal infection consultations. You may also be able to pay for your consultation with your HSA or FSA if you’d like.
Your payment covers your provider’s time and unlimited messaging with the Hey Jane team for the duration of your treatment. We will send your prescription to your local pharmacy of choice for fast, easy pickup. In some cases, we can send your medication directly to you.
You will pay the pharmacy directly for the cost of medication. Costs can vary depending on what specific treatment is prescribed and whether or not you use insurance. In many cases, medication can be as low as $0 with insurance. If you don’t have insurance or are worried about costs, let your provider know so that they can advise on affordable options.
Does Hey Jane ship my herpes treatment directly to me?
At this time, Hey Jane only facilitates delivery for herpes treatment to patients not using insurance.
If using insurance, your provider will send your prescription to your preferred local pharmacy to be filled ASAP. Some pharmacies have their own delivery services, so we recommend giving yours a call if you’re curious!
What causes herpes?
Herpes is typically spread from contact with sores or bodily fluids (like saliva or semen) of people who carry the virus. Specifically:
HSV-1 primarily spreads through contact with sores, saliva, or surfaces in and around the mouth. Contrary to popular belief, most people contract HSV-1 through non-sexual contact with saliva in childhood. Although less common, it can also be transmitted to the genital area through oral-genital contact, leading to genital herpes. Transmission can also occur from contact with oral or skin surfaces that appear normal.
When it comes to HSV-2, physical contact plays a central role in transmission. The virus can be passed through contact with genital or anal surfaces, skin, sores, or bodily fluids of an infected individual. Even when skin looks unaffected, HSV-2 can still be transmitted, often without any noticeable symptoms.In rare circumstances, herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) can be transmitted from mother to child during delivery.
Typically, the only time it can be dangerous is if you get your first outbreak in pregnancy. Most people who have herpes are able to have normal births and have no issues at all. If you know you have herpes already, your provider can help you to prevent outbreaks during birth and other times in your life!
Is there a cure for herpes?
There is no cure for herpes, but there are medications that some people take daily to help prevent outbreaks.
If you’re experiencing an outbreak, there are medications your Hey Jane provider can prescribe to shorten the outbreak and relieve your symptoms, although some people choose not to take any medications and let the outbreak run its course. It’s completely your choice!
We understand that this can be a frustrating diagnosis to manage and are here to support you. If you’re looking for more information on living with herpes, including community support, we recommend the below resources from the American Sexual Health Association:
How long does a herpes outbreak last?
Oral and genital herpes outbreaks usually last 1-2 weeks, and happen 4-5 times a year. First outbreaks are usually the worst, but everyone is different!
Are there natural remedies for herpes?
There is no cure for herpes, but there are medications that some people take daily to help prevent outbreaks.
If you’re experiencing an outbreak, there are medications your Hey Jane provider can prescribe to shorten the outbreak and relieve your symptoms, although some people choose not to take any medications and let the outbreak run its course. It’s completely your choice!
We understand that this can be a frustrating diagnosis to manage and are here to support you. If you’re looking for more information on living with herpes, including community support, we recommend the below resources from the American Sexual Health Association:
Is a cold sore the same thing as herpes?
Usually, yes! They are also commonly called fever blisters.
Can you get herpes from oral sex?
Herpes can be spread by any physical contact with a sore, so yes!
Can you get herpes from kissing?
Herpes can be spread by any physical contact with a sore, so yes!
When should you see a doctor in person for herpes?
If you develop fevers, chills, pelvic pain; a new sore that is painless, and unlike your previous herpes infections; or if you have never been diagnosed with herpes but are experiencing sores on your genitals.
Do you have to use antiviral medication to treat herpes?
You do not! While these medications can help shorten the length and intensity of an outbreak, even if you do nothing your outbreak will resolve and heal on its own.
How can you prevent herpes from spreading to other people?
- Use condoms and dental dams during sex
- Avoid having sex during an active herpes outbreak to minimize exposure to your partner
- Talk to us about antiviral medication that can help lower the risk of transmitting the infection to sexual partners
- Reduce your outbreak frequency through minimizing stress, getting plenty of sleep, and eating well as much as you can
Looking for more resources? Check out our guide on how to tell your partner you have an STI.
Are cold sores and canker sores the same thing?
Nope! Cold sores and canker sores are different. Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) and look like small, open, painful sores or blisters in or around the mouth. Canker sores are gray or white sores surrounded by a red inflamed area that occur only inside the mouth and throat. They are not caused by herpes.
What days/hours does Hey Jane operate?
If you are an existing patient:
• You can message your care team from 10am-8pm EST / 7am-5pm PST daily.
• Medication abortion patients only: You can call our 24/7 nursing line using the phone number listed on page 2 of your treatment guide.
If you are a new patient:
• Our team will typically review your intake form in 1 business day.
• If you sign up for care over the weekend, we will do our best to review your intake form the following business day so that you can quickly get the care you need.
What are abortion pills?
Abortion medication (also called the abortion pill) is a safe and effective way to end an early pregnancy. It was approved by the FDA in 2000 and is now approved to end pregnancies up to 10 weeks. Today, 63% of abortions in the US are done with medications. The simple treatment involves taking two medicines over a couple days.
The first medicine you take is mifepristone, which blocks the pregnancy hormone (progesterone) and stops the pregnancy from growing. Then, 24-48 hours later you take a second medicine, called misoprostol. Misoprostol causes cramping and bleeding to empty the uterus. You can expect bleeding like a heavy period. Taken together, these two pills work up to 98 out of 100 times to end an early pregnancy. No sedation or general anesthesia needed, though Hey Jane providers ibuprofen or acetaminophen in your shipment to help manage pain due to cramping.
Is Hey Jane legit?
Yes! Hey Jane is one of the first clinics to offer safe, effective and completely legal abortion care through telemedicine. We have served over 140,000 satisfied patients since launching in January 2021. Check out real feedback from past patients.
You can also rest assured knowing that we are a member of the National Abortion Federation, and are certified by LegitScript, the leading verification system for online prescriptions. We've even been covered by major news outlets, including New York Times, Forbes, Tech Crunch, USA Today, and Parents.
How can I contact Hey Jane?
Are you a Hey Jane patient?
Message us directly through your patient portal or call our 24/7 nursing line listed on page 2 of your abortion treatment guide.
If you are not a Hey Jane patient:
Email us: info@heyjane.co
Text us: (877) 652-4122
Press inquiries: press@heyjane.co
Interested in joining our team? See our open roles or email hiring@heyjane.co
Does Hey Jane accept Medicaid?
Yes, we currently accept all Illinois Medicaid plans for medication abortion care provided to Illinois Medicaid members located within Illinois at the time of service. We are actively working on expanding our Medicaid coverage to more states.
Illinois Medicaid plans accepted include, but are not limited to, Blue Cross Community Health Plans, Meridian Health Plan, Molina Healthcare of Illinois, CountyCare Health Plan, and Allwell from Managed Health Services.
If patients without coverage need financial assistance in addition to our income-based sliding scale pricing, we partner with abortion funds to cover the cost of treatment, travel, and/or accommodations.