Who would have thought it? A cuddly toy in the shape of a virus! These cuddly characters are incredibly endearing and educational too. Each one comes with a detailed scientific description and photograph of what he looks like under the microscope, along with medical tips on how to avoid picking up these bugs in daily life. Children seem to be totally fascinated by them, and it really helps when explaining all about why they are feeling poorly. The perfect gift to accompany a Get Well card. Also a brilliant present for medical students, doctors and nurses etc. You will soon understand why they are becoming amazingly popular! Start collecting now.. Facts: Flesh-eating disease is no dieter's dream - it's a headline grabbing nightmare most commonly caused by crazed strains of Streptococcus pyogenes, the same bacteria responsible for strep throats. (The term necrotizing fasciitis dates from the 1950's and Hippocrates described patients whose "flesh, sinews and bones fell away in large quantities") It is one of the fastest-spreading infections known and can consume an inch of flesh per hour. The disease is very rare - and because initial symptoms are similar to the flu, more often than not diagnosis is tragically delayed. But with incidents on the rise, the warning signs are worth reveiwing: Typically, a skin injury - as small as a pinprick or scratch - allows the bacteria to slip beneath the skin. Pain greatly disproportionate to the injury (and likened to the pulling of a muscle) usually occurs within 24 hours. Flu-like symptoms follow and purplish blisters begin to form. Without immediate introduction of antibiotics and surgical removal of infected tissue, toxic shock sets in and then..... Diabetes, substance abuse, childbirth, old age, obesity and even chickenpox are risk factors. But 50% of cases occur in young and otherwise healthy people. So if you think may have it, find out fast - or you might end up on the menu.