The sores heal in several weeks. The newly infected person may also have headaches, swollen glands near the point of infection, fever , vaginal discharge, general fatigue , and muscle soreness. When an episode of infection runs its course, the virus retreats to nerve cells near the base of the spine and becomes dormant. The first episode of HSV-II is usually the worst. During this initial infection the immune system produces antibodies that help fight future outbreaks.
Some individuals have only a single episode during which blisters appear.
But most people infected with HSV-II have repeated outbreaks, sometimes as many as 6 to 12 a year. Usually the outbreaks become less frequent and less severe over time. It is during these outbreaks that the infected person is most likely to transmit HSV-II to a sexual partner. Between outbreaks an infected person is less likely to pass on the infection. The cause of the outbreaks is uncertain, but stress, fever , sunburn , menstruation, and some medications may act as a trigger.