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Recurrent herpes labialis is a prevalent infection. We have investigated the annual incidence and some clinical aspects of the condition, and the frequency of probable superinfection among the staff at the largest hospital in Norway. Over a period of 12 months a total of 83 (67 females and 16 males) out of 3,565 persons with a mean age of 34.3 years experienced clinical recurrence of herpes labialis, giving an annual incidence of 23 persons with one or more eruptions per 1,000 employed. The mean recurrence rate was 4.8 episodes per year. UV-light was reported as a precipitating factor by 60% and psychological stress by 30%. Seven persons reported sick leave of one to three days' duration because of the most recent eruption. In 6/83 patients the probable pathogenic bacteriae (i.e. beta-hemolytic streptococci group A in one and Staphylococcus aureus in five cases) were isolated within the first 48 h after the skin lesions occurred. After 7-9 days S aureus was found in eight persons. The mean duration in days until all skin lesions had healed was the same in patients with or without probable superinfection. Recurrent herpes labialis does not seem to be a significant health problem among the staff of Ullevål Hospital. Probable superinfections appear to occur rarely and without significantly increasing morbidity.