The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 appears to act as a pain reliever, according to research from the University of Arizona. Scientists there observed that the virus’s spike protein reversed the body’s pain signaling. This fact possibly explains why you can be infected and feel fine. It might also explain the rapid spread of the virus. But even more interesting is the potential for this discovery to lead to similar non-opioid treatments for pain, which could help fight the massive opioid epidemic in this country.