Zovirax Treats Oral Herpes
Oral herpes is an oral infection affecting the mouth and lips. The virus causes painful sores on the gums, tongue, lips, inside of the cheeks and on the roof of the mouth. It can also cause symptoms such as muscle aches and fever.
Oral herpes is contracted by touching infected saliva, mucous membranes or skin. Because the virus is highly contagious, most people have been infected by at least one form of herpes before adulthood.
The amount of time between contact with the virus and the first appearance of symptoms varies by patient, but is anywhere from 2-12 days with symptoms such as fever, tiredness, muscle aches and irritability lasting 2-3 weeks.
Before the sores appear at the infection site, pain, itching, burning, or tingling often occurs. Clusters of blisters then erupt and break down rapidly. When seen, the blisters appear as tiny grey ulcers on a red base; after a few days they become crusty or scabbed and then eventually heal. Pain caused by the sores can make eating and drinking difficult. Blisters may extend down the chin and neck, and gums may become red, swollen and bleed.
Zovirax Oral is used to treat outbreaks of oral herpes. The medication may also be used in the prevention of future outbreaks in patients with frequent outbreaks. Zovirax Oral is not a cure for herpes, but treatment of an outbreak can speed up the healing of sores, lessen pain and itching, prevent the formation of new sores, and lower the risk of other problems associated with the virus.
Zovirax Oral is available in pill or liquid form and should be taken by the mouth, usually 2 to 5 times daily. Unless directed otherwise, drink plenty of water with Zovirax Oral.
Dosage of Zovirax Oral is based upon weight, medical condition, kidney function, and response to treatment.
