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What Is The Incubation Period Of Herpes

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Posted on Fri, 3 Nov 2017
Question: how long would it take for symtoms to appear if a male was exposed to herpes
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (25 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Regarding genital herpes

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I am Dr. Kakkar (Dermatologist and Venereologist). I have noted your concern.

Acquisition of herpes virus is usually asymptomatic i.e it goes unnoticed or it may be symptomatic. In those who have a symptomatic infection, the incubation period after infection ranges from 2-12 days (average 4 days). Symptomatic first outbreak is usually more severe than future recurrences and is associated with systemic symptoms like fever, swollen lymph nodes and headache in addition to the genital sores which are painful and last longer than those in recurrent episodes of genital herpes.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 minutes later)
thank you greatly.... would it be ordinary to have contracted the virus & exibit NO
Symptoms for 6 weeks..??

doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Regarding Genital herpes

Detailed Answer:
hi.

yes, that's very much possible with herpes infection. The virus may stay dormant for weeks or months after asymptomatic infection.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 minutes later)
i'm making you crazy.. Yes...???

would it show up in a blood test at this juncture & would that be the prudent step to take.. Basis .. The condom broke during casual sex.


doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Regarding herpes genitalis

Detailed Answer:
Yes. You may take an ELISA test for HSV type 1 & 2, IgM and IgG, at this juncture (it would be fairly indicative at 6 weeks) however only a negative result for HSV type 1&2 ELISA IgG at 12 - 16 weeks would be conclusive.

Regards
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

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What Is The Incubation Period Of Herpes

Brief Answer: Regarding genital herpes Detailed Answer: Hello. Thank you for writing to us I am Dr. Kakkar (Dermatologist and Venereologist). I have noted your concern. Acquisition of herpes virus is usually asymptomatic i.e it goes unnoticed or it may be symptomatic. In those who have a symptomatic infection, the incubation period after infection ranges from 2-12 days (average 4 days). Symptomatic first outbreak is usually more severe than future recurrences and is associated with systemic symptoms like fever, swollen lymph nodes and headache in addition to the genital sores which are painful and last longer than those in recurrent episodes of genital herpes. Regards