Symptoms People infected with herpes initially experience pain or itching in the infected area 2 to 12 days after exposure. Anywhere from a few hours to several days after the prodromal stage, sores begin to appear on infected areas. The ulcers begin as small, painful red bumps and become watery blisters within a few days. They may also be present but invisible inside the cervix in women and urethra in men. Infected persons also may experience flu-like symptoms such as headache and fever in addition to swollen lymph nodes in the groin.
Ulcers eventually scab over and heal.
There is no cure or vaccine for herpes. The virus remains dormant in the infected areas and periodically reactivates, causing symptoms. During the initial outbreak, acyclovir taken orally helps speed up healing. The drug also can be taken daily to suppress frequent recurrences. Sores also should be kept clean and dry.