I think the difference between a strong aversion to something that most people find revolting and a phobia is the avoidance behaviour phobics take and the degree of panic that it produces. I am much better than I used to be. At my worst I couldn't do anything: public transport, cars, swimming pools, cinemas, school, walking in the street were all places where people could be sick. Friends and family were all people who could be sick. Television was also a minefield. It was a lonely and terrifying time.
I am now much better. I have worked hard to ensure that it doesn't restrict my life the way it used to. I have a happy and fulfiling life. I have children, which I never thought I would be able to do, I have travelled, I have a social life (well did before children!).
However there are still things I just can't do and the things I do do are still dominated by my phobia. Public loos are a nightmare: which one would someone most likely be sick in? In a restaruant (huge progress in itself), where can I sit so anyone who needs to be sick can do so without me seeing or hearing it?
In a bus/coach, do I sit at the back which makes people feel more sick or is it more dangerous to sit at the front where people who get travel sick will tend to sit? Walking home, cross the road, take diversions as necessary to avoid pubs, drunken people etc. Watching films - I need people to vet them first so I don't see any with someone being sick or, if I am brave, know when to look away and cover my ears. I constantly interrogate people on whether they are going to be sick, look out for anyone looking pale. That is why I (and my doctor) feel entitled to call myself an emetophobe.
I never realised before I came on mn that others suffered in the same way that I do, but lots of us do and we have been able to support each other. Anyone who is scared enough to want help is entitled to call themselves an emetophobe. I think you know if you have it!