The amount of time it takes for the start of a genital outbreak to occur can vary from person to person. Generally, it can take anywhere from 2 to 10 days for the first signs of an outbreak to appear.
During this period, the virus is replicating and multiplying inside the body and can cause a variety of symptoms, including itching, burning, and pain in the genital area. This is often accompanied by the appearance of small, fluid-filled blisters or sores. These may be accompanied by a fever, swollen glands, and a general feeling of malaise.
The length of time it takes for the outbreak to start can depend on the individual and the severity of the outbreak. For those who have a weakened immune system or those who have had multiple outbreaks, it can take much longer for the first signs to appear. Additionally, if the person is not taking medication to prevent outbreaks, the length of time it takes for the outbreak to start can be prolonged.
Once the outbreak does start, it can generally last for 2 to 4 weeks. During this time, the blisters will heal and the symptoms will gradually start to subside. However, it is important to remember that the virus is still present in the body and can cause another outbreak at any time, so it is important to take precautions to prevent further outbreaks.