How do you deal being a germophobe as patient in clinic environments?

@charlotte12,

Is this new or have you always been concern? Everyone got paranode during COVID. I still wear mask in some situation like confined spaces. I always think of clinical setting cleaner than most places I go. But then I am old enough to remember when no-one wore gloves but surgeons.

Sometimes talking to a therapist and doing CBT (cognitive behavior therapy) will help. Through CBT you can learn to challenge irrational thoughts and beliefs about germs and develop healthier coping strategies.

Have you asked yourself why are you so afraid? Are you afraid of getting sick, have you gotten sick before due to unsanitary conditions?

@charlotte12
You are not alone. I once thought being a germaphobe (spell) was rare. It is not.

I had so many colds as a child, sinus infections in my 20/30s, bronchitis every time I got a cold, sinus infection. Then I got heart failure determined to be cardiomyopathy (from I virsus I caught) as I had no cardiovascular disease. So my germaphobe came from getting seriously sick over and over.

My family and wife all laughed at me washing my hands, carrying sanitizers, and avoiding crowds. What I have accepted is do all I can as an individual to lesson the chance of getting an infection. I still wear a mask in elevators as you cannot get away from someone sneezing or coughing in a confined space.

I go to Mayo and they have signs at every door and inside the offices about hand washing. I get a after visit rating to do and the first question is, "Did your providers wash hands before seeing you?"

If your provider does the alcohol clean prior to needles, and follows hygenic practices giving it, there is little chance of infection. Bottom line is go to to a medical provider that makes you feel comfortable with their hygenic practices. Having more stress in your life from overly worrying about hygenic practices of your medical provider is not an added stress you want.

@charlotte12
You are not alone. I once thought being a germaphobe (spell) was rare. It is not.

I had so many colds as a child, sinus infections in my 20/30s, bronchitis every time I got a cold, sinus infection. Then I got heart failure determined to be cardiomyopathy (from I virsus I caught) as I had no cardiovascular disease. So my germaphobe came from getting seriously sick over and over.

My family and wife all laughed at me washing my hands, carrying sanitizers, and avoiding crowds. What I have accepted is do all I can as an individual to lesson the chance of getting an infection. I still wear a mask in elevators as you cannot get away from someone sneezing or coughing in a confined space.

I go to Mayo and they have signs at every door and inside the offices about hand washing. I get a after visit rating to do and the first question is, "Did your providers wash hands before seeing you?"

If your provider does the alcohol clean prior to needles, and follows hygenic practices giving it, there is little chance of infection. Bottom line is go to to a medical provider that makes you feel comfortable with their hygenic practices. Having more stress in your life from overly worrying about hygenic practices of your medical provider is not an added stress you want.