Symptoms vary from person to person. Many people get herpes and don’t know it. Others get small, sometimes painful sores on or around the mouth (cold sores) or the genitals. The sores “weep” after they form, develop scabs, heal and go away after two to three weeks. Sores can occur 2 to 30 days after exposure, but can also appear months or even years after exposure.  People with symptoms may notice a tingling or itching in the area just before a sore appears or swollen glands, fever and an overall achy feeling.