Following herpes transmission, a person does not develop symptoms immediately. Once the herpes virus enters the body, it begins to multiply within the skin. It can also travel to other parts of the body, including the nerves. After 1 to 26 days (the average is 6 to 8 days), symptoms of herpes can begin. This period between herpes transmission and the beginning of herpes symptoms is called the incubation period for genital herpes.