Your post is exactly what I needed to read. Until a year ago I didn't even know there was a name for this phobia, or that others felt it as deeply (actually, more deeply, I've come to realize) than I did. Now I feel as if I have a real shot at overcoming it. Having specific knowledge about things like how noro is spread (ok, how it is NOT spread!), and what steps are rational vs what steps are irrational when doing our best to avoid it, has been immensely helpful.

I've known all along this particular phobia was not really 'about' the thing I fear; it's about being out of control and unable to take care of my responsibilities. I fear that far more than I fear anything else, and I know where that fear came from. It just manifest itself with this particular phobia.

Your post is a reminder that not only am I able to tame this anxiety, but that feeding into it is just making it worse. So true! I was crying as I was reading your words, remembering how good it feels not to be so obsessive about avoidance. I don't usually let it stop me from doing most things, but I THINK about it the whole time I'm doing something that feels "risky".

So thank you. I've got a way to go, but all of the things I've been telling myself about making a start at letting this fear go were brought to the surface while reading your post. I'm vowing to take one small step each day to avoid just a little less. I'm a great hand washer, great at not touching my face, and those are things I'll keep doing. But some of the other stuff...the stuff that really isn't all that rational (like watching every person in the crowd to see if anyone looks unwell) has to go. I've given enough time to this; now it's time to move in the other direction.