On average,herpessymptoms appear four days after exposure to the virus.
It also outlines the current testing recommendation and how to prevent getting or passing on the herpes virus.
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How Long Does It Take for Herpes Symptoms to Appear?
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This is called theincubation period.
These early signs are referred to asprodromalsymptoms (meaning non-specific signs that precede the outbreak of rash).
First Outbreak
A first outbreak typically triggers when you have been recently exposed to HSV-1 or HSV-2.
But, there are also times when a “first outbreak” is not recent.
It will then go into a latent (dormant) state where it is invisible to the immune system.
There, it will remain for the rest of your life.
Some people may never have a repeat episode after the resolution of the first outbreak.
Others may have frequent recurrences for years on end.
The triggers known to reactivate the virus include:
Recurrent outbreaks tend to be less severe than the first.
Over time, the outbreaks may become weaker and weaker and, in some people, stop altogether.
Is it HSV-1 or HSV-2?
Can You Have Herpes and Not Know It?
It is possible to have herpes and not know it.
In fact, the vast majority of HSV-2 infections in the United States are asymptomatic.
Others with HSV-1 or HSV-1 have symptoms that are either mild or mistaken for other conditions.
When herpes is symptomatic, viral shedding can continue for seven to 12 days before the lesions have healed.
When herpes is asymptomatic, viral shedding may persist for three to seven days.
When Is the Best Time to Get Tested?
Herpes simplex infections are very common.
By contrast, genital HSV-1 infections are unlikely to recur and are treated more conservatively.
Herpes is mainly diagnosed with anucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).
The NAAT is performed on a swab of fluid from an open sore.
In the end, having HSV doesn’t mean you will get HSV symptoms.
How to Prevent Herpes Flare-Ups
Herpes simplex is a chronic (life-long) condition.
It can’t be cured, but it can be effectively managed with the guidance of a healthcare provider.
In addition to antiviral medications, everyday activities that support overall health can help prevent flare-ups.
Symptoms of an initial outbreak include flu-like symptoms and fluid-filled blisters that appear in clusters.
After the initial outbreak, the virus goes dormant in the body.
If triggered, the virus may reactivate and may cause additional outbreaks.
Transmission to others is possible whether you have symptoms or not.
Testing for HSV depends on whether you are experiencing symptoms or not.
Treatment includes antiviral medications and self-care strategies.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes-CDC fact sheet (detailed).
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.Screening for genital herpes simplex: brief update for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infection treatment guidelines, 2021: genital herpes.
UpToDate.Treatment of genital herpes simplex virus infection.
UpToDate.Patient education: genital herpes (beyond the basics).
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MedlinePlus.Genital herpes - self-care.
