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: Ear aches are one of the most common health aliments found in young children - and most are caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. (Young children are a common cause of ear aches in adults!) Nearly every child gets at least one and most several.Why? Partly because children suffer a disproportionate number of respiratory infections and partly their ear tubes are shorter and straighter than adult tubes, which provides bacteria with easier access. Ear aches are also responsible for more antibiotic prescriptions than any other condition. Unfortunately, S.pneumoniae is beginning to adapt. In 1967, antibiotic - resistant strains of S. pneumoniae appeared in New Guinea and over the last 30 years they have spread all over the world. Nearly 80% of ear aches will clear up without antibiotics and public health authorities now recommend against using them for at least a short waiting period in order to retard the evolution of far more dangerous resistant strains. Sinde S.Pneumoniae can also cause much more serious illnesses such as meningitis and pneumoniae so it's important to listen up!