IHA board members have been involved in the production of a new video, Genital Herpes and Transmission, which aims to improve understanding of the ways in which genital herpes is transmitted and of the steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of transmission.

The video is available in two versions: one for physicians and the other for patients. The patient version includes an introductory section explaining the difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2 and emphasising the fact that genital herpes is an extremely common condition that is frequently under-diagnosed. An animated sequence shows how the virus is transmitted and then lies dormant before it is reactivated to causes recurrences. Genitourinary specialist Raj Patel outlines the treatment options and emphasises the importance of people who are diagnosed with the virus disclosing the fact to their partner. He also presents the findings of a recent study that shows that the use of suppressive antiviral therapy can substantially reduce the risk of passing genital herpes on to a partner.

The video also includes interviews with IHA Board members past and present. Former Board member Anders Strand, a specialist in Dermatology and Venereology, discusses the high incidence of genital herpes in Sweden and highlights the fact that many patients prefer to visit an STD clinic, rather than discussing genital herpes with their family doctor. One of his patients, Camilla Grogaard, who is now a member of the IHA Board, talks of her personal experience of living with frequently recurring genital herpes and the relief she has obtained from using once daily suppressive therapy.

Finally, IHA President, Charles Ebel, explains why the IHA was set up - in order to provide much-needed reliable and up-to-date information about genital herpes and to work to combat the stigma that is still often associated with the condition.

Copies of the patient video will be circulated to support groups throughout the world. In addition, a limited number of copies can be requested. They will be distributed on a first come first served basis and will be limited to one copy per bona fide herpes organisation. Requests should be sent to gemma@packerforbes.com