On average, how long will a herpes outbreak last and what are the symptoms?

2-3 weeks: The earliest symptoms of herpes zoster, which include headache, fever, and malaise, are nonspecific. These symptoms are commonly followed by sensations of burning pain, itching, hyperesthesia, or paresthesia .The pain may be mild too extreme in the affected area , with sensations that are often described as stinging, tingling, aching, numbing or throbbing pain.