This primary outbreak may last up to 3 weeks if untreated. This is a mistaken assumption. Once you have the herpes virus in your system, the potential for recurrences is always present. Or, it may reoccur every three weeks or so. More typically, people with a history of herpes will experience several outbreaks a year.
Some people notice a tingling or sensitivity when they are about to have a reoccurrence.
The good news is that there are some effective anti-viral medications which can help prevent outbreaks and minimize symptom duration and severity. If you think you may have herpes, it is worthwhile to visit your health care provider while you are having a suspected outbreak. When you call for an appointment, be sure to specify that you are having what you think might be herpes lesions and you would like to have them examined as soon as possible. This is not a time to take a routine appointment for 3 weeks later. There are tests which can be done to confirm the diagnosis, although some cases are so classic in appearance that a test may not even be necessary.