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 Herpes.  Below is more information about Herpes, courtesy of our friends at Planned Parenthood.

Herpes is a common virus that causes sores on your genitals and/or mouth. Herpes can be annoying and painful, but it usually doesn't lead to serious health problems.

Herpes is a super-common infection that stays in your body for life. More than half of Americans have oral herpes, and about 1 out of 6 Americans has genital herpes. So chances are a few people you know have with herpes.

Herpes is caused by two different but similar viruses: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Both kinds can make sores pop up on and around your vulva, vagina, cervix, anus, penis, scrotum, butt, inner thighs, lips, mouth, throat, and rarely, your eyes.

Herpes is spread from skin-to-skin contact with infected areas, often during vaginal sex, oral sex, anal sex, and kissing. Herpes causes outbreaks of itchy, painful blisters or sores that come and go. Many people with herpes don't notice the sores or mistake them for something else, so they might not know they're infected. You can spread herpes even when you don't have any sores or symptoms.

Because the virus dies quickly outside the body, you CAN'T get herpes from hugging, holding hands, coughing, sneezing, or sitting on toilet seats.

There's no cure for herpes, but medication can ease your symptoms and lower your chances of giving the virus to other people. And the good news is, outbreaks usually become less frequent over time, and even though herpes can sometimes be uncomfortable and painful, it's not dangerous. People with herpes have relationships, have sex, and live perfectly healthy lives.
 
See more at: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/herpes#sthash.rvBplIOE.dpuf