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 / Modified nov 13, 2020 9:52 a.m.

Episode 257: How COVID-19 spreads by affecting our sensitivity to pain

Research could explain why those who are asymptomatic turn out to be some of the worst spreaders of COVID-19.

AZSCI 257 covid and pain sensitivity
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The Research Corporation for Science Advancement
Arizona Science

How COVID-19 spreads by affecting our sensitivity to pain

This episode is supported by the The Research Corporation for Science Advancement.
NPR
Episode 257:: How COVID-19 spreads by affecting our sensitivity to pain

Former coronavirus patients are reporting a decrease in chronic pain at the same time they contracted COVID-19. University of Arizona pharmacologist Rajesh Khanna thinks the coronavirus affects the body's pain receptors and makes people less aware they are getting sick. His research could explain why those who are asymptomatic turn out to be some of the worst spreaders of COVID-19.

Rajesh Khanna spoke with Leslie Tolbert Ph.D Regents professor emerita in Neuroscience at the University of Arizona.

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