1. Community
  2. Mental health
  3. Anxiety Disorders

Emetophobia

Posted , 4 users are following.

Charlotte947
Charlotte947

I am 14 years old and I have suffered from emetophobia for as long as I can remember, I am dreading going back to school next week for the fear that I might get the bug. My neighbour recently came over and said her and her husband had just recovered from contracting the virus. I am in constant fear of getting the bug and and feel the need to wash my hands excessively. I don't know what to do as I have to go to school next week and I know I am going to be worrying about it all the time. It would help me a lot if someone could give me a possible solution or share their experiences so I know I'm not alone in this situation.

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • borderriever
    borderriever Charlotte947

    Posted

    The so called bug you are talking about can be a sore throat, a cold or the flu. This time of year these so called bugs are just virus and it is normal people get them and they hang around for about a week or so, then you will be ok

    You are not alone, if you suffer a viral infection it will eventually disappear

    BOB

     

    • Charlotte947
      Charlotte947 borderriever

      Posted

      Sorry I did not explain myself clearly. I am worried about the sickness bug that usually goes around at this time of the year as I have emetophobia which is a fear of vomiting or other people vomiting.

    • borderriever
      borderriever Charlotte947

      Posted

      Yes I understand, sad to say viral infections at this time of year are very common and there is a one going around that effection that causes congestion, I have no what to suggest, you could discuss your fear with your GP over the long term. Most of these infections at this time are not causing actual people being sick they are causing congestion and people will cough. 

      Charlotte talk to your GP

      BOB

    • icecool
      icecool Charlotte947

      Posted

      Hi Yes . It is a nasty bug but what can we do about  it? Have u been vaccinated against flu? I would suggest enquiring  at your surgery about being vaccinated. Other than that as exlained in my   other reply it is a matter of avoiding  anyone who  is ill and also   usin normal rtechniques  sucgh as handwashing but not excessively as scrubbing hard can cause tiny abrasions making us prone to infection. Also as stated previously be careful about drinking from mugs/cups or  using cutlery, dishes that you cannot  gurantee have been put through a reliable dishwasher at a high temperature.

      .

  • Needhelp_asap
    Needhelp_asap Charlotte947

    Posted

    Hey there, I have emetophobia but it's not that bad for me, I have other issues though like GAD and bad health anxiety and I'm struggling to cope everyday. You're not alone in the! You will feel anxious until you actually go to school and see that nothing happens but it's not worth being like that for a week. Try breathing techniques, try downloading cbt for dummies and try to find the root of emetophobia. My root is that when my father died he threw up and since then Im scared to throw up and always feel like throwing up when stressed which makes it worse. Best of luck! Try talking to your mom or dad about it and they will be of help,I promise!

    • Charlotte947
      Charlotte947 Needhelp_asap

      Posted

      Thankyou, it's nice to know that I'm not alone and other people have similar problems. I think I am especially worried at this time because it is known to be more common in the Winter months. Anyway thankyou for helping and I will be sure to take your advice.

    • icecool
      icecool Charlotte947

      Posted

      Hi there

      ​Enteraphobia is more common in women than men.

      ​he precautions you can take are to avoid coming into contact with people who are infected. If there is something going around atschool then the Public Health department  aka NHS Public Health issue warnings. ALternatively contact NHS Public Health and enquire if there is any virus going around. The newspapers have warned us not to  get together at Christmas due to the flu epdemic. So you are wise to be concerned.

      ​However  just  use commion sense and control of infection techniques and follow general advice. Avoid contact with anyone who is feeling ill.

      Drink from cups that have been  through a dishwasher.

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.