Which client should be considered for a prescription of acyclovir, valtrex, or Zovirax?

• A. A client with acne
• B. A client with a history of cold sores
• C. A client with eczema
• D. A client with active herpes zoster

Answer: (B)

Antiviral therapy with acyclovir, valacyclovir, or Zovirax targets herpesviruses, especially herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 and varicella-zoster virus. These drugs work by inhibiting viral DNA synthesis, which helps shorten outbreaks and can reduce recurrence when used for suppression.

A client with a history of cold sores has recurrent herpes simplex virus-1 infection, making them a clear candidate for antiviral therapy to manage and prevent outbreaks. While antiviral treatment can also be used for shingles (active herpes zoster), the scenario here centers on a pattern of recurrent HSV-1 infections, so this patient is the best fit for prescription. The other options don’t indicate HSV infections, so they don’t align with the typical use of these medications.