Most individuals have no or only minimal signs or symptoms from HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection. When signs do occur, they typically appear as one or more blisters on or around the mouth, lips, tongue, genitals or rectum. These blisters can be quite painful. The first outbreak usually occurs within two weeks after the virus is transmitted. The blisters break, leaving tender ulcers (sores) that may take up to two to four weeks to heal the first time they occur.