Cold sores

Useful contacts
Herpes Viruses Association is a UK not-for-profit organization that gives information on all types of herpes infections to its members. It is not sponsored by manufacturers of herpes treatments. Its website has a FAQ section (but mainly about genital herpes rather than cold sores) and gives information about joining the association.

Write to: 41 North Road, London N7 9DP, UK. Tel: 0845 123 2305. www.herpes.org.uk

Australian Herpes Management Forum has information and some colour photographs on its website. It is sponsored by several pharmaceutical companies, including GSK and Novartis Pharmaceuticals; both of which companies make antiherpes drugs. www.ahmf.com.au/oral_herpes/essential_facts.htm

Herpes.com is a large USA website with lots of information about all types of herpes, including cold sores. If you are keen on changing the balance of L-lysine foods in your diet, look at its nutrition section for a list of the lysine content of foods. It is sponsored by several manufacturers of herpes remedies. www.herpes.com

The Cold Sore Information Bureau has a lively website. It is sponsored by GSK, the manufacturer of aciclovir, and advertises their product. It has a questionnaire to help you identify your triggers, a good ‘Coping strategies’ section and FAQs. You can also request a free copy of their booklet. www.csib.co.uk