*4.2. Exposure to COVID-19 Infection*

Among the respondents to our survey, only a small percentage have become infected or exposed to COVID-19. In comparison with other countries, during the first months of the pandemic, the prevalence of COVID-19 and morbidity in Poland were relatively low. Furthermore, MS patients presumably considered themselves at greater risk of infection and thus were undertaking more preventive behavior [14]. The direct exposure to infection in our MS patients was not associated with higher level of stress, similarly to the findings about depression and anxiety, reported by Altschuler et al. [1]. However, those with comorbidities, supposedly increasing the risk of severe COVID-19, presented with higher PSS-10 score. In healthy adults, symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 or perceived increased susceptibility to infection were shown to increase level of stress [16,27]. It may be hypothesized that MS subjects, due to long-lasting disease, are more adapted to concerns about their health and perceived vulnerability [23].
