I'm 42 and have been where you are. I was worried about college life, but made it through. I am happy to report that in four years of college I never once saw someone v*, and no s*v* ever "went around" campus. After college, I didn't want a roommate for fear they would get s*. I lived alone for a while, but then I had a mouse and discovered my fear of that was greater than my fear of the s*v*, so I got a roommate. Again, no v*.

As an adult, I worried about having children for the very same reasons that have been described. I did not have v*-free pregnancy, but I made it through. Knowing it was temporary -- and honestly, knowing it wasn't contagious, so I didn't have to worry about my husband catching it -- helped me cope with that. And now I have a five-year-old. Do I get worried, particularly in s*v* season? Absolutely. But thankfully I have an understanding husband who helps me get through it.

My experience in life, dealing with this, has been that the anticipation is awful, but then when I look back I realize that getting through wasn't THAT bad. And knowing that is what helps me keep going forward. I can remind myself that I've survived the last 42 years (about 30 as an emet) so surely I'll make it through the next 42.

Hang in there.