The stress of the pandemic is impacting people in many ways. Our pain specialists are tracking how people with chronic pain and stress may have immune systems more vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus. The fears and frustrations experienced while watching the news, going to the grocery store or pharmacy, or talking to others about the virus can activate the fight/flight stress response leading to increased pain, anger, and anxiety. The need to social distance from others can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and despair which can trigger the freeze response. This often leads to increased pain and depression. Feeling trapped in our homes and hopeless about the uncertainty of the virus with no end in sight can also trigger the freeze response.