optional panel of tests for hepatitis b, hepatitis c and syphilis, but not herpes. testing for herpes is controversial since the results are not always accurate or helpful. most sex workers and performers will contract herpes at some point in their careers whether they use protection or not. history early 20th century public health legislation in the united kingdom required compulsory treatment for sexually transmitted diseases but did not include herpes because it was not serious enough. as late as 1975, nursing textbooks did not include herpes as it was considered no worse than a common cold. after the development of acyclovir in the 1970s, the drug company burroughs wellcome launched an extensive marketing campaign that publicized the illness, including creating victim's support groups. research main article: herpes simplex research there are efforts to develop a vaccine for active outbreaks of the virus—despite most cases being asymptomatic—but the results thus far have not been able to do so or eliminate transmission.