How likely is it that i'll give herpes to my baby, if i get cold sores once a year?

High likelihood: Cold sores are typically caused by hsv-1 virus, and is associated (though not exclusively) with herpes ulcers above the waistline. Once infected, the virus hides out in the neurons that innervate the cell lining of the mouth. Up to 80% of HSV infections are asymptomatic. By age 30 years, 50% of individuals in a high socioeconomic status and 80% in a lower socioeconomic status are seropositive.