diff --git a/src/main/java/io/nats/client/impl/NatsMessageConsumer.java b/src/main/java/io/nats/client/impl/NatsMessageConsumer.java
index 083d01e74..7fe1516d1 100644
--- a/src/main/java/io/nats/client/impl/NatsMessageConsumer.java
+++ b/src/main/java/io/nats/client/impl/NatsMessageConsumer.java
@@ -160,6 +160,9 @@ void doSub(boolean first) throws JetStreamApiException, IOException {
             rePull();
         }
         catch (JetStreamApiException | IOException e) {
+            if (first) {
+                throw e;
+            }
             resetOnException();
         }
     }