Even after the skin lesions have disappeared, the virus remains inside the nerve cells in an inactive state. In most people, the virus reactivates from time to time. The frequency and severity of the recurrent episodes vary greatly. The symptoms of genital herpes vary widely from person to person. When symptoms of a first episode of genital herpes occur, they usually appear within 2 to 10 days of exposure to the virus and last an average of 2 to 3 weeks.
Lesions can also occur on the cervix in women or in the urinary passage in men.
These small red bumps may develop into blisters or painful open sores. Over a period of days, the sores become crusted and then heal without scarring. Other symptoms that may accompany a primary episode of genital herpes can include fever, headache, muscle aches, painful or difficult urination, vaginal discharge, and swollen glands in the groin area. In 1982, the first antiviral drug for genital herpes, acyclovir , was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as a topical ointment in persons suffering from an initial episode of infection. Acyclovir is not a cure for herpes, the virus remains in the body, but while taken regularly, the drug interferes with the virus' ability to reproduce itself.