Most people with genital herpes have no noticeable symptoms and do not realise they have come into contact with the virus. They may only notice symptoms at a later date. For others, the first symptoms of genital herpes may show up 2 to 21 days after coming into contact with the virus. This first episode of herpes is often the most severe. When you first come into contact with the virus your immune system has not had time to develop protective antibodies. This means the virus can multiply rapidly, causing significant symptoms.

So I think, if you've already caught the virus, you have to focus on treatment & prevention. Take an antiviral treatment like HSV-Zero, better if you feel an outbreak coming in. But even if a lesion already formed, using HSV-Zero, it’s still treatable, faster than other drugs.