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: H.I.V (Human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that kills the CD4 cells, or T-helper cells, which help the body fight infections. Once the body's immune system has been compromised, a person develops AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). H.I.V is found in bodily fluids, and it can be transmitted when these come into contact with an uninfected person's broken skin or mucous membranes. The most commom means of transmission by far are: Sexual contact with an infected person. Sharing needles or syringes (primarily for drug injection)with someone who is infected. During pregnancy or birth to babies if HIV-infected mothers, or through breast-feeding after birth. Although additional transmission possibilities exist - such as accidental skin punture by infected needles in medical settings or introduction of infected blood into a caregiver's open cut (or eyes or nose) they are very rare. Insect bites and contact with HIV-infected sweat have also been studied, but the risks have been found to be essentially non-existant. In fact, studies have shown that simply drying HIV infected fluids reduces viral presence by 90 - 99% Although improved treatments are helping some people living with AIDS to lead longer, healthier lives, there is no vaccine for HIV and no cure for AIDS at present.