Children and adults who do not have HBV can get permanent protection with a series of HBV vaccinations. Although herpes-1 is most often associated with cold sores and fever blisters, both forms of herpes may be sexually transmitted. During pregnancy, herpes may cause miscarriage or stillbirth. If active herpes infections are present during childbirth, newborn infants may suffer serious health damage, including developmental disabilities and, rarely, death. Transmission to a newborn is more common during the first episode of the herpes infection and less common during a recurrent herpes outbreak.
Recurrences are sometimes related to emotional, physical or health stresses.
Wash hands frequently and do not touch the sores. If the sores are touched inadvertently, wash hands immediately. Be particularly careful when handling contact lenses and touching the eyes. HSV may be passed from one partner to another, or from one part of the body to another, whenever contact is made with an active herpes virus. HSV is most contagious from the time the sores are present until they are completely healed and the scabs have fallen off.