FHV-1 vaccination reduces severity of primary infection and some recurrences. Understanding vaccination limitations helps manage expectations and improve welfare.
Kittens experiencing severe primary FHV-1 infection without vaccination protection suffer from intense conjunctivitis, corneal ulceration, and systemic illness. Vaccination that attenuates primary infection severity prevents much of this suffering. For cats already latently infected, stress management to prevent reactivation and antiviral treatment of reactivated disease maintains welfare throughout life.