The risks of transmission are higher when the lesions are visible. However, it remains possible to become infected through contact during asymptomatic viral shedding. The virus is transmitted through contact with the infected area, regardless of whether or not there are lesions. Most people have mild or non-specific symptoms, or no symptoms at all. When there are symptoms they usually appear 2 to 20 days after the infection, sometimes longer.
Several people have few or no symptoms at all.
Besides, herpes is often transmitted through people who are unaware of their own infection due to symptoms so benign that they go by unnoticed or are misdiagnosed. These symptoms could include fever, malaise, headache, muscle pain, sore throat and lesions on external genitals. Infected people may at times run a fever, have headaches, deal with itching and pins and needles and complain of burning sensations. It is however possible that the primary episode goes by unnoticed. It is important to speak to the school nurse or to consult a clinic or hospital doctor as soon as the first symptoms arise.