<s>[INST] I have a history of cold sores, and am currently dealing with an outbreak.  I have been using Abreva, but I believe there is an infection because my lip and glands under my chin are extremely swollen.  The sore is not healing as quickly as it should be.  This has happened in the past and my doctor prescribed an antibiotic to help with the infection so it didnt spread.  What antibiotic will help with this that I could call into my doctor for? [/INST] Hi. Can understand your concern. As per your complaint cold sores are caused by viral infection, and it is a HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS 1. The virus can remain dormant within the nerves and can get re-activated at any point of time and can cause an outburst. The severity of the symptoms depend upon the severity with which the infection has occurred, and it is not always necessary to have mild or severe symptoms and can vary at every outburst and in cases when there is some reduced immunity of the body the infection can occur with higher severity. As the antibiotics acts only against bacteria so taking an antibiotic for viral infection can no way cure the infection. Swollen lip and submental lymphadenopathy or swelling can be due to infection outbreak only. I would suggest you to consult an Infectious disease specialist or a dermatologist and get evaluated. You will be prescribed with oral anti viral like Acyclovir and Acyclovir for preventing further outbursts. Although the antivirals do not cure the current infection, but it prevents the further outbreaks of the infection. Applying Rivera which is a topical antiviral ointment can help and should be continued. Avoid making intimate contact wit other individuals as it can cause them infection as well as use personal things like towels, utensils etc. without sharing with others to prevent transmission of infection as it is a communicable disease. Hope this information helps. If you find the answer helpful kindly write a positive review and click on found this answer helpful as a token of appreciation. Thanks and regards. Chat Doctor.  </s>