Herpes Simplex 1 (HSV-1): Symptoms & Incubation Period

Symptoms of herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1), also known as oral herpes, typically appear within 2 to 20 days after initial exposure to the virus. The average incubation period is around 4 days.

Following the initial infection, the virus may remain dormant within the body's nerve cells. After reactivation, the virus can cause recurrent outbreaks, which may occur anywhere from a few times a year to several times a month.

The first outbreak of HSV-1 is often the most severe and may include symptoms such as:

- Blisters or sores around the mouth, lips, or face

- Fever

- Swollen lymph nodes

- Muscle aches

- Headache

- Fatigue

Recurrent outbreaks are usually milder and may only last a few days. However, some individuals may experience more severe or frequent outbreaks.