Because of its ease of transmission, the virus has become extremely common. HSV is not a reportable disease, but an estimated 30 million Americans or more are thought to have it. More than 200,000 new cases are expected each year. Rates are high among all racial groups. If and when trademark sores appear, they can be on the vulva, in or around the vagina, in the anus, or on the cervix.
Many women notice itching or a tingling sensation in the genital area before the sores appear.
The average length of time for a first episode is 12 days. Some people will have one blister during an outbreak, while others will have many. Blisters deep in the vagina or cervix may not cause any pain. Recurrent episodes, during which the virus is reactivated, are milder and usually last about five days. For many people, the recurrences will occur less frequently over time.