First off, I would like to say that I am really really glad to have found this place! I didnt know there were so many people out there like me. My earliest memories of having this phobia were when I was about 6 years old....I am 24 now, so it has been a long time. I remember hiding and refusing to go outside during recess when I was in grade school, because people would get sick outside. I have so many memories of when I have seen v*, its like it has burned into my memory and it haunts me...anyone else ever feel like that? I feel so wierd talking about this, but it effects my life all day every day. I avoid going places where I know a lot of people will be. I dont go places where people tend to drink and get drunk. I dont go to amusement parks. I hate public transportation for fear of seeing someone get sick (have seen that twice on the bus). I hardly go anywhere really, and when I do, I am hyper aware, checking to see if anyone looks ill and avoiding them.
I dont let people in my house or car for fear they will get sick. Im scared to death of becoming ill myself. The ironic part of my life is that I got a stomach disorder when I was 21 (incureable) where the main symtoms are stomach upset and v*. I live in constant fear. I work at a job where Im a counselor, but I basically take care of kids who have mental health and mental retardation all day. The whole time I am at work, all I do is worry that one of them will get sick, and I will see it or hear it or have to clean it up. If a kid does get sick I try to run away and then I get scared that I will catch whatever they had. I just want to be able to relax! I dont even eat at work, because I fear that I will have to deal with v* and cant stomach it. Today I am having to work with a kid who was v*ing all night and I feel like its a death sentence....I dread having to deal with this. Its like all day, everyday, all I think about is running away from v*. I feel wierd and ashamed and abnormal. I dont want to have to worry all the time, but I dont know what I should do. I have thought about seeking counseling, but I have not went that far. I dont want to live in fear anymore though. I want to be able to relax at work, go to a night club or the movies, sit through class without worrying about the people around me. Ahhhh! Thank you for reading my story!

--Francee