Symptoms of Herpes
Most people do not have apparent symptoms for many months, or even years after becoming infected. Those who do have symptoms during the initial period will usually notice them about 4-7 days after being infected.
Primary infection symptoms
Primary infection is a term used for an outbreak of genital herpes that occurs when a person is first infected.
Primary infection symptoms, if they are experienced, are usually more severe than later recurrences.
Symptoms can last up to 20 days and may include:
-
Blisters and ulceration on the cervix
-
Pain when urinating
-
High temperature (fever)
-
Malaise (feeling unwell)
-
Cold sores around the mouth
-
Red blisters - these are generally painful; they soon burst and leave ulcers on the external genital area, thighs, buttocks, and rectum
In most cases, the ulcers will heal, and the patient will not have any lasting scars.