While herpes is generally more of a nuisance than a severe health threat, it can lead to complications. These include increased susceptibility to other [sexually transmitted infections (STIs)](href=""), including HIV. Pregnant women with herpes can also transmit the infection to their newborns, leading to neonatal herpes, which can be severe. In rare cases, herpes can cause [encephalitis](href="") or meningitis, which are infections of the brain and its surrounding tissues.
