what to do if abscess bursts in mouth

These lesions usually occur under Kitty's gums, so they're hard to see until they're quite far along. Apart from the unpleasant odor, you will notice the discharge is yellow, gooey pus. Author: Written by Dr David Chen, a long island city dentist. Place that directly onto the abscess for about 10 minutes. The abscess can break open (rupture) . However, if you were diligent about keeping up with your check ups, you probably could've avoided this entire situation by catching cavities while they're small. 1 . Follow these instructions for dog abscess home treatment: Apply pressure and squeeze. Much like salt, and maybe better, hydrogen peroxide is a useful chemical when it comes to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Bc t. Read More Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Wash your hands with soap and water. Heres what you need to know. Swollen gums, or gingival swelling, is a painful condition in which gums are irritated, sensitive, or bleed easily. To help with any pain, try taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as Aleve or Advil. Why are we here? Like salt, hydrogen peroxide will stop the bacteria from spreading because of its antibacterial properties. Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. A dog abscess is a cavity that forms somewhere in the body. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. "If left untreated, facial or mouth traumas, bacterial infections and diabetes can all contribute to the formation of an abscess," petMD adds. pain, swelling, and tenderness in the mouth; bleeding or . The problem is that allowing an abscess to ruptur Pediatrics - Developmental and Behavioral. Theres no way to treat a gum abscess at home. Tooth Abscess Treatment If an abscess ruptures by itself, warm water rinses will help cleanse the mouth and encourage drainage. Typically an infection with this type of swelling will require a root canal or a tooth extraction. An abscess forms when bacteria enters through the cats skin into the underlying tissue and causes an infection. Abscesses are the result of an infection, generally bacterial, localized in the area where the abscess forms. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Yes, treatment is required. Antibiotics alone are usually not sufficient. David Chen, DDS Glycemic Index: What It Is and How to Use It, sensitivity to heat or cold foods and drinks, bad taste in the mouth (from pus discharge). AskMayoExpert. For 2 minutes rinse your mouth with this water, spitting out water and repeating till it ends. Need help docs! Its important to recognize the signs of a gum abscess and get medical treatment if you develop one. What causes a tooth abscess? An abscess is a pocket of pus that develops when a wound of some sort becomes infected. Tues: 9:00am - 6:00pm Vlyi P, et al. There is a problem with However, in this instance, an infection is best handled by a dentist. 12 Potential Causes, How To Discern Between Cat Ear Mites Vs Wax (Best Answer), Your email address will not be published. The medical procedure known as orchiectomy, during which both testicles are removed to sterilize a male cat, is more often referred to as neutering or castration. Dont ignore a gum abscess. Your cat could find comfort in warm compresses in the early post-discharge days. You should also expect to take a week of antibiotics at a minimum. The purpose of all of this oral health information is to encourage you to see your dentist and to inform you of what you may expect during your visit. Please attach your intraoral periapical radiograph of that tooth and the picture of that abscess to help you better. It's important to keep the area very clean. Fever (feeling hot to the touch) Lethargy (your cat may seem subdued and be lacking in energy). Root canal treatment. The resulting infection with irritation and swelling (inflammation) can cause an abscess at the tip of the root. If this has happened to your cat, you might notice a hole in the site where the pus used to be. antibiotic treatment & referral to a surgeon who will drain the abscess & likely pack it with gauze to keep it open & draining. Most abscessed teeth are a result of small cavities that are untreated and left to grow. you made. If left untreated, a dental abscess will continue to fill with pus until the infected pocket makes its way into the skin surrounding your dog's mouth. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. eat soft foods like soup, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes and yoghurt use a soft toothbrush to clean your teeth avoid having sugary, or very hot or cold, foods and drinks Treatment for a dental abscess Dental abscesses are usually treated by a dentist. All rights reserved. If an abscess ruptures by itself, warm water rinses will help cleanse the mouth and encourage drainage. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. Causes & Systems Explained, What is Abscessed Tooth? Your dentist can drain the pus and remove the infection, reducing the risk of complications. An infection that is resistant to antibiotics might develop from an untreated abscess. To reduce pain and sensitivity until you see a dentist, rinse your mouth with warm salt water or take over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen to reduce inflammation. For cats, they most commonly develop on the skins surface and are clearly visible (if the fur does not cover it completely). Typically, an abscess appears suddenly as a painful swelling (if it is not located inside a body cavity or deep within tissue) that may be either firm to the touch, or compressible like a water balloon. Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings. Now the broken tooth. Intact male cats (especially strays) are known to roam over large areas in search of a female cat. Your veterinarian may be able to treat your cat without sedation if the abscess is open and draining. Beneath the enamel is a different dental hard tissue known as dentin. I graduated from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in 2016 but prior to going to dental school I was already working in the dental field. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The healing process would take roughly two weeks if the abscess needed surgery. Usually a surgeon does a small procedure to remove it but they can recur. Dental abscesses are abscesses affecting the teeth and adjacent jaw tissue.. Each tooth is made up of several layers. , NY. Having a weaker immune system can also contribute to a gum abscess because your immune system is unable to fight off infections. AAE position statement: Maxillary sinusitis of endodontic origin. Mon: 9:00am - 6:00pm However, a small boil may burst and heal without treatment. Even if you manage to finish draining the abscess and you continue to keep your mouth clean with salt water rinses, you still need to see a dentist. The information here is about periapical abscesses. With early treatment, the outlook for a gum abscess is positive. Try to repeat the process multiple times in a day for best relief. Small wounds (bite marks) A reduced appetite. Most oral abscess will need to be drained and treated, and not just with antbiotics. Abscess Symptoms. Doing so can spread bacteria and cause further inflammation and a bigger infection. Your dentist may be able to identify a gum abscess (or make another diagnosis) based on your symptoms. The lymph system filters infectious bacteria which could be harmful to the goat into a walled-off capsule (abscess) away from the body's vital organs. Your email address will not be published. It's probably a pilonidal cyst, and needs to be definitively removed. Symptoms of a burst cat abscess are the same as for a human's burst abscess; you will notice a foul-smelling discharge at the abscess site. American Dental Association. Make an appointment with your dentist. Small cavities are easily treated with cavity fillings and does not require complex and expensive treatments such as root canals and tooth removals. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). The underlying bacterial infection can spread to other sites of the body, which can potentially be very dangerous for the cat. The surrounding area will be red and inflamed. The tooth will need a, treatment, or will have to be extracted. Your wound could still be a portal for infectio Dr. Gurmukh Singh and another doctor agree. Mayo Clinic; 2022. Since then I've developed a fondness for writing, which is how this all got started! With us, you and your whisker will be PURRfectly healthy, happy, and PAWsitive. This is a critical diagnostic step. Outdoor cats, especially intact male cats, are more prone to having abscesses and them rupturing; therefore, its important to keep your outdoor cat somehow confined in your yard and, preferentially, have your intact male cat neutered. You should also cut down on your intake of starchy and sugary food specially in between meals and a short while before bed. (n.d.). This procedure involves cutting an incision in the abscess. If a dental abscess bursts on its own, you'll get a mass of pus, blood, and foul odor overflowing from your mouth. The vet may occasionally install a drain to keep the abscess open and draining. It may be difficult for you to be seen by your dentist immediately which is why it is important to keep your mouth as clean as possible until your appointment. Tooth abscess stages include: 1. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Even with taking out the tooth, you will still need the abscess drained as well. Dont delay your visit too much and while youre waiting for your call, you can take painkillers to reduce the pain. After it reaches the pulp, it will travel down to the tip of the root where it will slowly start forming an abscess in the bone. It could potentially get to the point where it can become life threatening. These factors may increase your risk of a tooth abscess: A tooth abscess won't go away without treatment. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Fine JB. What to do if Dental Abscess Bursts on its own? Right after it pops, there will be a mess in your mouth from all of the pus and blood mixed with the infection. The prognosis for cats that have experienced a ruptured abscess and gotten proper treatment is very good. Abscesses can develop anywhere in the body, including the, mouth, bone, rectum and muscle tissue, and in organs such as the liver, lungs or even the brain. If you had a brain infection, or a kidney infection, would yo How quickly it decreases is dependant on the severity of the swelling to begin with and how it is treated. They may be able to save your tooth with a root canal treatment. But even if an abscess ruptures and drains, you should still see a dentist to treat the infection. Roughly 99.99% of them require in-person intervention by a healthcare professional. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other commonly abused medications. Symptoms of a gum abscess may improve slightly in time. Bacteria often enter the skin through bite or puncture wounds, which leads to inflammation and pus formation. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/home-care. We dont just believe every cat deserves the best. Wet a washcloth in warm, but not hot, water. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Will A Burst Cat Abscess Heal On Its Own? Intact male cats are also more likely to get into fights with other intact male cats, and this usually happens over a territory dispute or a female cat. It should be noted that this is very painful for the unfortunate cat. I have had a hard bone like growth on my bottom front tooth it seems to be connected to the broken tooth which is there. What Are Maryland Dental Bridge Pros and Cons? If the lesion is an ordinary abscess, good pet care might speed up the healing process to 5-7 days. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. It can be caused at different areas of the mouth because of the multiple reasons. When you. Take good care of your teeth to avoid tooth decay: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Several issues can lead to a tooth abscess. Do not share your clothes, towels, or sheets with anyone. A periodontal (per-e-o-DON-tul) abscess occurs in the gums at the side of a tooth root. Either way, If bacteria enter through the open wound, a pocket of pus can form, resulting in abscess formation. If you have an abscess under the skin or in the mouth, symptoms may include swelling and redness in the area. Good luck. This blog is purely meant for information purposes and should not be used as medical advice. You will need to wash the area and change bandages 3 - 4 times a day, possibly more depending on the size of the opening and how much it is draining. Periodontitis requires more intervention and, The glycemic index (GI) is a value used to measure how much a specific food increases your blood sugar levels. Pet owners should avoid using toothpaste designed for humans because the cleaning ingredients in them . Feline ondoclastic resorptive lesions could also cause a tooth abscess. However, note that the prognosis greatly depends on the cat actually receiving proper treatment. Get your cat neutered. It's been more than a decade since I first got to know dentistry and let me tell you, time flies by quickly. If food and plaque become embedded in this space, bacteria can thrive. If the abscess resulted from an animal bite, you might still be able to see a little scab at the bite site, but other than that, the cat should be perfectly well! This type of abscess develops in your gums. Why Does the Roof of My Mouth Hurt When I Eat? Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by a bacterial infection. Well go over seven of the most common causes, how to. Once the pus has been removed, the vet will clean the hole left by the abscess using sterile saline (a salt solution) or an antiseptic, if the wound is deeper. What does the start of a tooth abscess feel like? If yes, please read this article on can you put Neosporin on a cat? Bacteria can enter the innermost part of the tooth through either a deep cavity or a chip or crack in your tooth. What you will notice is that the abscess may flatten out immediately after it pops but over the next few days, IT WILL SWELL UP AGAIN. If an abscess ruptures by itself, warm water rinses will help cleanse the mouth and encourage drainage. Healing might take a few more days if your veterinarian installed a drain. You should visit a doctor for medication and treatment. won't go away without treatment and the infection may spread to your jaw, cheeks, sinus and to other areas of your body. Since the source of the infection comes from within the tooth, usually due to tooth decay only your dentist can fix it. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Here is a picture of an abscess in the bone on a dental x-ray: What the tooth abscess looks like on an x-ray is a big dark circle around the root. Dental abscess treatment is best carried out by the dentist himself but in case of the abscess bursting on its own, here are a few steps that you should be following almost immediately. Your immune system cannot sustain all the pus in for a very long time. Rinse your mouth with the salt water. What happens if an abscess bursts internally? If the abscess doesn't drain, the infection may spread to your jaw and to other areas of your head and neck. A liver abscess is a collection of pus in the liver caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Enter the email address for your account to reset your password. Some people develop a tooth abscess that affects the area surrounding the tooth.. Keep in mind that a gum abscess will not completely heal on its own. The body's immune system then sends extra white blood cells to the area in an attempt to rid the body of the bacteria. Pus is produced as a byproduct of the body's immune system fighting off an infection. Your doctor can use your dental X-ray to determine whether your gum abscess has resulted in bone loss. Your dentist may attempt to save the tooth by removing the infected nerve with a root canal treatment. Dental abscess treatment needs to be carried out with professional care, so make sure to get yourself checked and book your appointment to the dentist without any further delays. We avoid using tertiary references. The medical name for this is a periodontal abscess. If you notice your cat has an abscess, please refrain from squeezing and popping it out yourself. If you are in. The vet is trained in how to perform that safely and successfully. It is not possible to give advice nor diagnose any oral conditions based on text nor virtual consultations. Usually a surgeon does a small procedure to remove it but they can recur. Accessed April 20, 2022. To begin with, we shall discuss what dental abscess is before moving on to further details. Its necessary to get all the pus drained, which can only be done by your dentist, because if not drained properly, the remains of the pus may cause the infection to start time and again. Periodontitis disease is an inflammatory condition of the gums that develops when plaque accumulates under the gums. Last medically reviewed on February 26, 2018. What are the health risks of leaving an abscess in the mouth untreated? An X-ray of the aching tooth can help identify an abscess. Internal abscesses are also seen in cats. This then can become a passage or channel linking the bowel to another loop of the bowel, another organ, or the outside skin. The recovery time entirely depends on how serious the initial abscess was. The doctor may decide to cut open the abscess and allow the pus to drain. This infection around the root of the tooth leads to destruction of the bone. Always wear gloves to prevent contamination; use paper towels to absorb the pus and burn them when you are done. Periodontal abscess: Etiology, diagnosis and treatment. Drink water that contains fluoride. The abscess becomes prone to injury as it grows in size. According to petMD, periodontal disease may be a reason for the abscess. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Only your dentist is capable of permanently getting rid of the infection. Once your cat gets home, make sure shes not walking around the home, running, and jumping. Wipe the wound with a clean towel dipped in warm water to keep it clean. Scratched. This can help prevent the spread of germs. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. A dental abscess, or tooth root abscess, is an infection that often begins within the root of a tooth, growing in size as it progresses. Gum Abscess popped by itself - What to do? There was an abscess a long time ago that burst and left a hole in my gum. I love all of the points A skin abscess would typically ultimately rupture on the skins surface and leak pus if left untreated. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. If the burst abscess is small, it is possible to treat it at home; however, I would still recommend you take your cat to the vet. These include pain, swelling, and redness. What Happens If A Cats Abscess Does Not Heal? A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that's caused by a bacterial infection. Why Has My Cats Fur Gone Lumpy? This reduces the chances of any further infection because the bacteria are killed. Intact male cats, especially stray cats, are more likely to develop an abscess as they frequently get into fights and are at a higher risk of developing an infection due to bacteria entering the wound. Abscesses usually arise due to bacteria entering the skin through a bite or puncture wound. This is why it is important to go for your dental check ups every 6 months because you can catch tooth decay while its small. Please get treatment. To ensure the ruptured cat abscess burst hole heals nicely, it would be wise to take your cat to the vets office, as theyre trained professionals who know the right course of action. This content does not have an English version. Avoiding tooth decay is essential to preventing a tooth abscess. They may need to place antibiotics inside of the tooth as well as drain the abscess in order to clear it completely. Sometimes it may come back fiercer than before by swelling up even more. In addition to these dental procedures to remove and treat infection, your dentist may prescribe a course of antibiotics. Only a certain limits of pus can be removed by applying pressure. Your dentist can observe the health of your teeth and gums, and diagnose oral problems early to prevent disease and infections. You can also put some triple antibiotic ointment on the area. Ive already mentioned that most cats with abscesses are intact male cats that roam over large areas and tend to get into fights with other cats. Best will be to spit out any excess toothpaste. Thanks. Also called a periodontal abscess, a gum abscess is a painful condition that can lead to serious complications. Attempting to drain the abscess will not solve your problem.. the cause of the abscess will need to be addressed. Brush your teeth two to three times a day, particularly after meals. The cavity starts in the enamel and progresses through the stages of tooth decay by going into the dentin and then the pulp. The saline rinse is a lot more gentle so it won't hurt as much. Each situation in your mouth is unique and complex. What Are The Symptoms Of A Burst Cat Abscess? Infectious abscesses are not a big risk to the rest of the herd if they burst, although they . A gum abscess is a pocket of pus and bacteria from an infection in the gums. https://www.aae.org/specialty/clinical-resources/guidelines-position-statements/. You will feel better and maybe you won't have more, but it is imperative to visit your dentist. 2023 Copyright CARDS DENTAL, All Right Reserved | Digital Marketing by ZKV, Best Dental Forum | Get connected to Dentistry. American Association of Endodontists. Moreover, you may also need to continue with antibiotics to ensure that the infection doesnt spread to other parts of your body as that may worsen the problem. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. The first and immediate step is to use salty water for rinsing your mouth. Accessed April 20, 2022. But if left untreated, a gum abscess can worsen and lead to a potentially life-threatening infection. Good brushing and flossing habits can rid the gums and mouth of bacteria, reducing or reversing the inflammation of gingivitis. If the pus pocket puts too much pressure on the skin, the skin may break, which causes abscess rupture. Accessed May 20, 2022. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Diagnosing an Abscess in Dogs The following are the signs of abscess development and subsequent rupture (although this does not happen for every cat): presence of a bite mark or a puncture wound. Your dentist may apply numbing cream to the area before beginning the procedure. What you should try to do is clean up your mouth and try to finish. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Add some salt to a cup of water and rinse for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the oozing infection. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Its important that you see a dentist to begin treatment. If you were eating something hard such as potato chips or taco shells, the sharp hard edges can puncture the abscess and cause it to burst. An abscess is one of the most common skin problems in cats.They are characterized as a collection of pus which collects in the tissue of the body. You may have more than one abscess. Therefore, going to the vet is always []. 4 Important Team Members in a Dental Office, 10 Benefits of Metal-Free Fillings [Expert Opinions]. The doctor may decide to cut open the abscess and allow the pus to drain. If you open your mouth and observe the area, you may also notice swelling and redness. Tooth decay. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Dental pain, periapical abscess. Symptoms of a burst cat abscess are the same as for a humans burst abscess; you will notice a foul-smelling discharge at the abscess site. These conditions weaken the immune system, which might make it more difficult for the cat to recover from an infection. Taking care of your pets abscess is crucial because, if it is not kept clean and treated with the appropriate medicine, the infection might spread. Blot away any pus or liquid draining from the abscess with a clean tissue or bandage. There is a chance the abscess will not heal as fast as it should. It can also be drained through the infected tooth at the start of a root canal procedure. Mayo Clinic. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. As it gets bigger and bigger, the gums gets stretched thinner and thinner. Some oral conditions of the mouth and gums can go unnoticed and cause little symptoms in early stages. Spend at least two minutes daily to brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste. If you still choose to ignore it the swelling can progress to the point where it even begins to become life threatening because it can cut off your airway. Afterwards you'll need a dental crown made to protect the tooth. Draining the abscess is necessary to remove the infection and prevent complications. Brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. The cats skin seals over the wound, trapping dirt and bacteria inside. Do one final rinse with Listerine to disinfect your mouth and the site with the abscess. A dentist can manage the infection and can help to treat the tooth to prevent re-infection. It can also be drained through the infected tooth at the start of a root canal procedure. During this procedure, your vet will take X-rays of your dog's teeth. According to Harvard Health Publishing, an abscess is the pus that collects in a pocket of swollen, red tissue. There are cases of people dying from dental abscess as it travels to your brain. What do I do if an abscess bursts on its own? Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in a minute. I have an abscess on my left top gum in my mouth, what is it? The bacterial infection can cause swelling and inflammation at the tip of the root. Rinse your mouth out with salt water. I graduated from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in 2016 but prior to going to dental school I was already working in the dental field. What you have to do is to mix 50% of plain water and 50% of hydrogen peroxide and use it for rinsing your oral cavity. Symptoms of a tooth abscess typically include: Pain Swelling Redness of your mouth and face A bad taste in your mouth Sensitivity to hot or cold foods or liquids Symptoms of advanced. Dental Abscess Types. If we combine this information with your protected How long do perianal abscess last? This can spread the infection to others. This can lead to the development of a fistula or "sinus tract," which is a hollow tunnel formed through the bone and skin. However, do this only if you feel no pain. Long Island City Dentist. Also, floss at least once a day to remove food and plaque stuck in the gums. When an abscess bursts it may stop hurting, but the pus that the infections creates is going into your mouth- it will not get better by itself. If an abscess ruptures (bursts) internally, the infection may spread inside the body or under the skin surface. This leads to a swelling of this tissue, often manifesting in a raised bump which will usually disappear once the pus is drained. There have been reports of death due to an abscess spreading to the brain c for proper healing. You should return to the veterinarian for another examination if your cats recovery is not proceeding properly. . This bacterial infection causes inflammation. This can cause an infection in the sinus cavity. It will be a combination of tooth removal, abscess drainage, and taking antibiotics that will clear the infection. Dentist will treat a. by treating the cause and getting rid of the infection. The second way that an abscess can burst is by intentionally or unintentionally jabbing it with something sharp or hard. Keep your fingers away from the abscess. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. How to Whiten Teeth with Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda? Treatments and. The reason is because draining it and keeping it clean does not treat the source of the infection. A gum abscess can also occur due to a deep periodontal pocket. When left untreated, the dental abscess can cause damage to the surrounding teeth and bone. Rinse your mouth out with salt water. If the abscess bursts you will be swallowing all the infection and pus with a chance it could spread. [] Abscesses these are swollen growths that are pus-filled, and they usually appear in spots where your [], [] How To Deal With A Ruptured Cat Abscess: Burst Hole Healing [], [] best to take the cat to the vet before the abscess ruptures, since release of the abscess content can lead to infection spreading to other [], [] untreated, the abscess can rupture, which can lead to the spread of the infection.

Devon Somerset Border Map, 1956 Topps Jackie Robinson White Back, South Carolina Whiskey, Articles W

what to do if abscess bursts in mouth

RemoveVirus.org cannot be held liable for any damages that may occur from using our community virus removal guides. Viruses cause damage and unless you know what you are doing you may loose your data. We strongly suggest you backup your data before you attempt to remove any virus. Each product or service is a trademark of their respective company. We do make a commission off of each product we recommend. This is how removevirus.org is able to keep writing our virus removal guides. All Free based antivirus scanners recommended on this site are limited. This means they may not be fully functional and limited in use. A free trial scan allows you to see if that security client can pick up the virus you are infected with.