I am an emetophobe. Ever since noro reared it's evil head about 10 yrs ago, I've been terrified of catching it.
This has worsened over the last few years as my dd has health anxiety and also emetophobia (she doesn't know I
have it, I've tried to keep it from her)...she would be dreadful to deal with if she caught it. I'm also worried about my elderly, infirm parents catching anything from us as my mum really wouldn't cope with it at all as she has mobility issues and clearing anything up off the floor would be hard for her.
So....I do go out but thus worry is always on my mind. I try not to use loos and am always gelling my hands (I know hand gels aren't supposed to be effective against it, but they're my comfort blanket). I particularly hate doctors and hospital's really make me panicky.
I'll ask my family them to wash their hands as soon as they get in from being out and about and I push hand gel when we are out together.
I work from home, so does dh largely and dd has just dropped out if 6th form so is largely at home herself at the moment. I've noticed that everytime I go out I expect to get ill....then I think of the millions of people who are out in the community working, using public transport and socialising on a daily basis who my common sense tells me aren't getting sick every day.
My dd joined a gym tonight and I've been panicking that she's bound to be ill aa she used equipment then ate some biscuits before washing her hands. I also insisted she change her clothes when she got in and she got so frustrated with me. I'm getting so wound up with worry it's so draining.
Can you give me back some perspective please...as I say, every time one of us goes out, I fear the worst!! I go shopping, to the pub/coffee shop a few times a month, never use public transport and everytime I expect to possibly be ill. I feel like I'm going mad! Help