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Do you worry about germs and getting ill?

Toxic

Do germs and the idea of getting ill worry you? I’ve wondered if this is related to autism as no one else in my family gets anxious about germs and illnesses. I’m the only neurodiverse one in my family and I’ve realized no one is freaked out by getting sick. I heard on the car radio about the recent norovirus outbreak and after work yesterday and this morning after going in town I came home washed my hands several times with soap and water, washed my phone with disinfectant and then changed all my clothes and put the worn clothes through the wash. I'm always told I overreact over this but to me it’s normal and makes sense to do this. Why risk infecting myself when I can disinfect items and reduce my chances of getting a cold of stomach virus? An early example was when I was at school a girl came in class and said she had been ill yesterday and I got so frightened I nearly had a panic attack and moved to a different table. It's always been something that worries me.

Parents

  • Hello Toxic, is right on the money about OCD - this is a classic germophobe symptom such as you describe.

    Toxic said:
    I'm always told I overreact over this but to me it’s normal and makes sense to do this

    When you refer to this as normal, consider the logic of it, Why not burn the clothes as there is no proof that a normal wash cycle will kill the virus or bacteria (typically needs boilding temps to do this).

    Why not wear a hazmat suit when out in public as this will be a more effective barrier to the germs. Etc

    The point is you have chosen your line for what you think is acceptable and it is different to the vast majority of others.

    Can you look at the science behind it and prove that your approach is statistically significantly better at defending agains the virus/bacteria?

    Also is completely avoiding it healthy? Your immune system will not get any exposure and hence your resistance will drop if you maintain your barrier approach.

    Toxic said:
    An early example was when I was at school a girl came in class and said she had been ill yesterday and I got so frightened I nearly had a panic attack and moved to a different table

    Would you do the same now?

    To me it is a response that will be seen by the majority as hypocondriac and unsympathetic. Imagine the response from the poor girl returning to school and being treated like a lepor.

    The response comes from your mind and is a difficult one to control (hence why it is called obsessive) but it helps to understand well the science behind it so your rational mind can have more of a chance to control the impulses.

    I would imagine a therapist (who specialises in autism and OCD) would be your best bet to develop more control over this, but only if you want to go down this route. You may think it is acceptable (clearly others close to you don't think so) but your decision is the one that matters.

Reply

  • Hello Toxic, is right on the money about OCD - this is a classic germophobe symptom such as you describe.

    Toxic said:
    I'm always told I overreact over this but to me it’s normal and makes sense to do this

    When you refer to this as normal, consider the logic of it, Why not burn the clothes as there is no proof that a normal wash cycle will kill the virus or bacteria (typically needs boilding temps to do this).

    Why not wear a hazmat suit when out in public as this will be a more effective barrier to the germs. Etc

    The point is you have chosen your line for what you think is acceptable and it is different to the vast majority of others.

    Can you look at the science behind it and prove that your approach is statistically significantly better at defending agains the virus/bacteria?

    Also is completely avoiding it healthy? Your immune system will not get any exposure and hence your resistance will drop if you maintain your barrier approach.

    Toxic said:
    An early example was when I was at school a girl came in class and said she had been ill yesterday and I got so frightened I nearly had a panic attack and moved to a different table

    Would you do the same now?

    To me it is a response that will be seen by the majority as hypocondriac and unsympathetic. Imagine the response from the poor girl returning to school and being treated like a lepor.

    The response comes from your mind and is a difficult one to control (hence why it is called obsessive) but it helps to understand well the science behind it so your rational mind can have more of a chance to control the impulses.

    I would imagine a therapist (who specialises in autism and OCD) would be your best bet to develop more control over this, but only if you want to go down this route. You may think it is acceptable (clearly others close to you don't think so) but your decision is the one that matters.

Children
  • in reply to Iain
    Iain said:
    Why not burn the clothes as there is no proof that a normal wash cycle will kill the virus or bacteria (typically needs boilding temps to do this).

    That's not necessarily true.

    Our washing machine uses a detergent that is "scientifically proven to kill 99.9% of all viruses".

    I'm also a big fan of Dettol antibacterial laundry sanitiser (which is just added to the fabric softener compartment, with or without the fabric softener itself). This product is "formulated to kill 99.9% of bacteria in temperatures as low as 15C".

    These products provide me with great - and very convenient - comfort.

    Iain said:
    Can you look at the science behind it and prove that your approach is statistically significantly better at defending agains the virus/bacteria?

    Therefore, yes.