Want a super fun and cute way to learn more about STIs? GiantMicrobes are here to entertain, educate, and cuddle. These plush toys are about 5 inches in height, and represent a number of different sexually transmitted infections.

Each microbe includes a printed card with educational and fascinating facts. A perfect gift for students, scientists, health professionals & anyone with a healthy sense of humor!

This little microbe represents Hepatitis. There are several types of hepatitis virus, and the different types are indicated by letters. Hepatitis A Virus is indicated by the abbreviation HAV, Hepatitis B Virus is indicated by HBV, and so on.

• HAV is spread primarily by unsanitary food and water
• HBV is transmitted in bodily fluids
• HCV is transmitted by bodily-fluids, but there is no vaccine available
• HDV occurs only in the presence of HBV
• HEV is relatively mild and non-chronic
• HFV and HGV are more newly identified; their connection with liver disease is debated

When people talk about the types of Hepatitis Virus that are most commonly sexually transmitted, they are usually referring to HBV or HCV.  There is a vaccine available to protect against HBV, but there is no vaccine available to protect against HCV (safer sex practices can protect against both HBV and HCV).

Below is more information about Hepatitis B and C, courtesy of our friends at Planned Parenthood.

Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are infections that can cause liver disease. The viruses that cause these diseases (HBV and HCV) can be spread through sex. You can protect yourself from HBV by getting the hepatitis B vaccine, and by using barriers like condoms and dental dams.  There is no vaccine to protect against HCV, but you can protect yourself by using barriers like condoms and dental dams. If you have oral, anal, and/or vaginal sex, use condoms and dental dams to help stop the spread of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and other STDs.

HBV and HCV can be transmitted through contact with semen (cum), vaginal fluids, and blood. You can get these viruses from:

• having vaginal, anal, or oral sex (using a condom or dental dam during sex can help prevent it)
• sharing toothbrushes and razors (blood on them can carry the virus)
• sharing needles for shooting drugs, piercings, tattoos, etc.
• getting stuck with a needle that has the Hep B or Hep C virus on it.

HBV and HCV are not spread through saliva (spit), so you CAN'T get them from sharing food or drinks or using the same fork or spoon. HBV and HCV are also not spread through kissing, hugging, holding hands, coughing, sneezing, or breastfeeding.

Hepatitis B is the kind that is most likely to be spread through sex.

Learn more at: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/hepatitis-b