How long after first aquiring herpes does it take for the test to appear positive?

7-30 days or longer: Herpes infection can present in many ways. Typically ulcer will show in 7-30 days. Primary herpes is a systemic illness with fever / fatigue & usually multiple sores. Recurrent herpes in usually a small cluster of sores w/o other symptoms. Most people never get full blown primary herpes & may simply experience occasional genital discomfort or itching, & sometimes no symptoms.