The virus stays in your body, and it probably will come back usually from 3 to 6 months after the first outbreak. The good news is that these repeat outbreaks are usually not as bad as the first. Soaking in a warm, not hot, bath can help soothe blisters. You never know. This unpredictable virus varies.
Some people have few or no additional outbreaks after their first outbreak.
Others can have as many as one a month. If you do have outbreaks, they usually occur four to six times a year. The good news is that over the years, you may have fewer outbreaks that are less severe. After 5 or 6 years, you may not have any outbreaks at all. Even if you don't have any more symptoms, you still have the disease.