How Long Does A Herpes Outbreak Last?
An outbreak of herpes can be uncomfortable and even alarming, especially if it’s occurring for the first time. No matter where on your body is affected, knowing how long an outbreak can last and what to expect can help you cope better. There is no cure for this virus, but knowing the timeline of an outbreak and the factors that have an influence on its duration can help you manage your symptoms. So, how long does a herpes outbreak last?
The length of a herpes outbreak depends on the location it is affecting and how many previous occurrences you’ve experienced. First outbreaks typically last the longest, with genital herpes persisting for up to four weeks and mouth sores usually remaining for around seven to ten days. Recurrent outbreaks of herpes tend to be less severe, however, and heal more quickly than the initial symptoms.
Read on to learn more about how long a herpes outbreak could last, the factors that affect duration, and your options for treatment.
Understanding Herpes
Before you can begin to tackle your herpes outbreak, it helps to understand the virus, the different types and how it behaves in your body. Having more knowledge about your illness may help you feel calmer and confident in approaching and treating it, so we’ve put together some information about the herpes virus.
What Is Herpes?
The herpes simplex virus (HSV), also known as herpes, is a common infection that can cause painful sores. Herpes is primarily spread through skin-to-skin contact, and is treatable, but not curable.
The majority of those with HSV typically have mild symptoms, or none at all. The virus can still be passed on to others, but those without symptoms are unlikely to know they are infected.
What Are The Two Types Of Herpes?
Herpes presents itself in two types; HSV-1 and HSV-2. They both have similar symptoms, but occur in different areas of the body.
HSV-1 causes infections in and around the mouth or lips, and is also known as oral herpes. This can also cause genital herpes, with common symptoms including:
- Blisters (cold sores)
- Open sores (ulcers)
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 64% of those under 50 are infected with HSV-1. This equals an estimated 3.8 billion people across the world.
HSV-2 is more commonly referred to as genital herpes, and is spread through sexual contact. Those infected with this variant typically experience the following symptoms around the genitals or anus:
- Bumps
- Blisters
- Open sores (ulcers)
An estimated 520 million people are infected with HSV-2 globally, according to WHO.
Learn more about the difference in this blog: HSV-1 vs HSV-2
Symptoms Of An Initial Outbreak
An initial outbreak of herpes may bring additional symptoms, as well as those mentioned above. They are unlikely to be present during recurrent outbreaks, as they tend to be shorter and less severe. Those going through their first infection may experience:
- Fever
- Body aches
- Sore throat (oral herpes)
- Headache
- Swollen lymph nodes near the site of infection
How Long Does A Herpes Outbreak Typically Last?
The duration of a herpes outbreak can depend on how many outbreaks you’ve experienced and which kind of herpes you’re suffering from.
Oral Herpes
The cold sores caused by HSV-1 typically last from ten to fourteen days. They usually clear up without medical intervention, but can reoccur in subsequent outbreaks. Sores in recurrent infections tend to disappear quicker, within seven to ten days, and heal without scarring.
Genital Herpes
The first outbreak of genital herpes, or HSV-2, can last from two to four weeks. This initial infection is usually the most severe, with subsequent outbreaks only persisting for around seven to ten days.
What Factors Influence Outbreak Length?
The first outbreak of herpes will usually last the longest and bring about more severe symptoms than any recurrences. No matter how long someone may have been infected with either form of herpes, there are a number of different factors that can influence the outbreak’s length, including:
- Immune System Strength: If your immune system is weakened, your body may struggle to control the virus. This can result in both longer and more frequent outbreaks. Over time, your body will develop immunity to the virus, with outbreaks becoming shorter and less severe.
- Lifestyle Factors: Maintaining various aspects of your lifestyle can also help to minimise the length and severity of an outbreak. Good nutrition, adequate sleep, and stress/anxiety management can all benefit those infected with the herpes virus.
- Acknowledging Triggers: The following factors can not only trigger an outbreak of herpes, but can also potentially make them last longer:
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- Stress
- Illness
- Menstrual cycle
- Hormonal changes
- Sunlight
- Physical trauma
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- Medication: If necessary, a medical professional may feel the need to prescribe antiviral medications. These will shorten outbreaks, especially when taken early.
If you’d like to learn more about living with herpes, and how different lifestyle choices can affect how often you break out, read our helpful guide: How To Prevent & Manage Herpes Outbreaks
What Are The Stages Of A Herpes Outbreak?
There are typically around five stages of a herpes outbreak:
Stage 1: Tingling
Your first symptom is likely to be a tingling or itching sensation in the affected area. You most likely won’t be able to see any visible sores in the first couple of days.
Stage 2: Blistering
Blisters will then begin to appear around three to five days into your outbreak. These may initially appear red, but will later fill with fluid.
Stage 3: Ulceration
The blisters will then burst and become ulcers. Fluid will be released during this stage and this fluid carries the virus, so proper hygiene after touching the affected area is especially important during this time.
Stage 4: Scabbing
After around a week, ulcers will begin to scab over and start to heal. It’s important to note that this stage is where the ulcers are drying out, and some itching may occur in the affected area.
Stage 5: Healing
Towards the end of your outbreak, the scabs on your ulcers will fall off and the exposed skin will begin to heal. Once this occurs, your outbreak is typically resolved and symptoms will no longer persist.
How Can Your Sexual Health Help?
Sexual health services with us are designed to provide our customers with maximum convenience, care, and confidentiality. Our friendly staff are here to put you at ease, and you can be sure that you’re treated with respect and empathy.
Your Sexual Health also offers a unique service across our more than 100 clinics, or after a more convenient at-home kit. If your test returns a positive result, we can recommend an independent private GP at no extra cost to you. You’ll receive your results promptly, so you can take the appropriate action.
Find out more about Your Sexual Health here, or click below to get in touch with any questions or concerns about the testing process.
FAQs
Which Herpes Tests Are Available At Your Sexual Health?
Your Sexual Health offers a range of herpes simplex virus tests, including:
- Herpes Simplex (Urine Or Swab) – Tests for a current infection of either HSV-1 or HSV-2.
- Instant Blood Test – This comprehensive test covers the diagnosis of HIV, syphilis, and current and past infections of both types of HSV.
- Instant Herpes I & II – Tests for current and past infections of both HSV-1 and HSV-2, using a blood sample.
- Instant Herpes II – This blood test checks for current and past infection of HSV-2.
- Herpes Simplex I/II (IgG) – A blood test to detect past infection of both types of the herpes virus. This test can be carried out at one of our phlebotomy stations.
- Herpes Simplex I/II (IgM) – Tests for a current infection of both HSV-1 and HSV-2. This test can be carried out at one of our phlebotomy stations.
- Herpes I/II & Syphilis From Lesion – Uses a swab test to check for syphilis, HSV-1, and HSV-2.
If you’d like to learn more about the different ways herpes can be detected, explore our helpful blog: How Do You Test For Herpes?
What Is The Difference Between A Home Test And A Clinic Test?
Home testing involves a discreet kit being posted to your home, with the instructions and equipment to take your own samples. You’ll then post this to one of our laboratories using the included pre-paid postage label.
Clinic tests require you to visit one of more than 100 clinics across the country. Your sample will be collected by a trained professional and sent for testing on your behalf. No matter which option you choose, your results will be posted on our secure portal as soon as they’re available.
When Can I Take My STD Test With Your Sexual Health?
No test is accurate immediately after exposure, which is why you’ll find an incubation period on each test page, under ‘Accurate from’. This period marks the time required to pass before the bacteria in your body has multiplied to a detectable level or your body has presented an immune response to an infection.
Unless you have symptoms, you’ll need to wait for the specified period to pass before booking. If you do decide to test before this time has passed, it’s important that you retest once you’ve reached the ‘Accurate from’ date.
