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: • HAV* is transmitted primarily by unsanitary food and water (frequently found in developing countries), or by direct contact with an infected person. It is non-chronic and relatively mild" though symptoms can include jaundice, fatigue, nausea, and fever. Vaccines are available. • HBV is transmitted by bodily-fluids and is far more serious. Chronic liver disease caused by HBV results in death in 15-25% of chronically infected persons. Vaccines are available and are highly recommended. • HCV is perhaps the most dangerous of the hepatitis viruses. Like HBV, it is transmitted by bodily-fluids. It causes severe liver damage in 70% of chronically infected persons; there is no vaccine available; and 80% of infected persons have no symptoms or signs of the disease ~ so not only are they at risk, but they can pass it to others unknowingly. Those at particular risk and for whom testing is advised include: • I.V. drug users - most infections are due to illegal injection drug use • Blood transfusion recipients before 1992 (prior to donor screening) • People with undiagnosed liver problems • Infants born to infected mothers • HDV is similar to HBV, and only occurs in its presence, so vaccinationprotection for HDV is, for practical purposes, available. • HEV is relatively mild and non-chronic; it produces symptoms similiar to HAV and is transmitted similarly. However, no vaccine is available. • HFV and HGV are newly identified; their connection with liver disease remains controversial.