What to have ready for the call.
Note when the sore began, where it is located, changes in pain or swelling, fever or other illness symptoms, whether an eye is involved, medicines, allergies, and prior episodes if relevant.
A callback request gives the clinic a starting point to review the concern. Diagnosis, prescriptions, referrals, laboratory requisitions, documents, payment, and next steps depend on that review; another setting may be recommended.
When an examination, testing, or another setting may be needed.
This guide cannot decide whether it is safe to wait or which care setting is right for an individual concern. Some concerns need an in-person examination, testing, or another setting. If you are unsure where to go, contact an appropriate in-person healthcare professional or care setting for individual guidance. Use prompt in-person care if you are concerned about worsening symptoms.
Know when not to wait.
Seek prompt in-person assessment for eye pain or vision changes, fever, spreading redness, pus, severe worsening symptoms, or another possible emergency. Call 911 for a life-threatening emergency.
Virtual care is not appropriate for every concern. If your symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or may be an emergency, use emergency services or immediate in-person care instead of waiting for a callback.
Common questions about cold sores.
Can I start an online request for a possible cold sore in Alberta?
An online request can share a mouth or lip concern for clinic review. It does not confirm a cold sore, promise treatment or a prescription, or guarantee a virtual visit. The clinic decides whether a virtual conversation or another care setting is appropriate.
I searched for cold-sore treatment online in Alberta. What should I know?
This guide can help you prepare a clear history for clinic review. It does not diagnose a cold sore, provide or promise treatment or a prescription, or guarantee a virtual visit. A clinician decides the appropriate next step.
What details are useful for a cold-sore concern?
A short timeline, location, changes in pain or swelling, fever or other illness symptoms, eye involvement, medicines, allergies, and prior episodes can support a clearer clinic review.
Can an online request confirm a cold sore or guarantee treatment?
No. A request does not diagnose the cause of a sore, guarantee a virtual visit, or promise a prescription. The clinic reviews the information and may recommend another care setting.
Where can I find official Alberta cold-sores information?
MyHealth Alberta provides current public information about cold sores. It does not confirm a cold sore in an individual or replace an appropriate clinical assessment.
When should I seek prompt in-person assessment for a mouth or lip sore?
Seek prompt in-person assessment for eye pain or vision changes, fever, spreading redness, pus, severe worsening symptoms, or another possible emergency. Call an appropriate in-person healthcare professional or care setting when the right care setting is unclear, and call 911 for a life-threatening emergency.
Virtual-care discovery
Calgary and Edmonton virtual-care questions.
This Alberta-wide guide can help you prepare for a clinic-reviewed virtual-care request from home. If another care setting may help, the clinic guides the next step.
Can this cold-sore guide help in Calgary?
This Alberta-wide guide can help you prepare for a clinic-reviewed virtual-care request from home. If another care setting may help, the clinic guides the next step.
Can this cold-sore guide help in Edmonton?
This Alberta-wide guide can help you prepare for a clinic-reviewed virtual-care request from home. If another care setting may help, the clinic guides the next step.
Non-emergency request
Request a doctor call today.
For people physically in Alberta with a valid Alberta Health Care card. For requests submitted during open hours, the clinic reviews the request and contacts you about the next step. AlbertaMD operates daily from 8:00am to 10:00pm Mountain Time. For a possible emergency, call 911 rather than waiting for an online request. If your concern cannot wait, use appropriate in-person care; call 911 for a possible emergency.