Herpes simplex virus is known for causing outbreaks of painful ulcers. HSV-1 usually affects the mouth, while HSV-2 affects the genitals. An outbreak following the initial infection is called primary, while subsequent outbreaks are known as recurrences. Most of those who are infected do not show symptoms, or they may be too mild to notice, according to the Mayo Clinic. For many, however, herpes infections cause moderate to severe symptoms shortly after transmission of the disease.
Flu-like Symptoms
Those infected often experience flu-like symptoms during a primary outbreak. This includes painful joints, fatigue and fever. They may be able to palpate swollen lymph nodes in the neck or genitals. Once the body forms antibodies to the herpes simplex virus, symptoms of recurrent outbreaks are usually milder or nonexistent.
Blister Formation
Blisters are a hallmark of a herpes outbreak. Lesions generally appear within two weeks of infection, and they remain approximately two to four weeks. Sores start as clusters of fluid-containing blisters. Over the course of the outbreak, the blisters burst, releasing the fluid. The lesions crust over and form scabs that heal completely. There may be several large blisters, or they may be too small to notice. Blisters on the mouth are evident, but genital lesions are often missed when they occur inside the vagina, on the cervix or inside the penis.
Pain
Pain often accompanies a symptomatic herpes infection. Oral herpes lesions can occur on the lips or inside the mouth. Sores affecting the lips and mouth may make eating, speaking and oral hygiene painful. Genital infections may occur on external or internal genitalia. Women may experience painful vaginal or cervix lesions. External lesions produce generalized pain, but internal genital infections can cause pain on urination or during intercourse.
