Ewww Germs -Verminophobia

By Megan Heeney

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"Warsh" them germs away!
Photo by Laura Wegner.

Students are surrounded by uncleanliness, but for most it is an accustomed part of life. For junior Megan Millea, it is a deep fear. She is inflicted with Verminophobia, this phobia is a developed fear of germs.

This phobia is also scientifically known as Bacillophobia or Misophobia. Millea prefers to stay away from situations where she is in contact with many germs. This phobia causes the afflicted to maintain an extremely clean environment.

“I never drink out of anyone else’s stuff or share my food, and I always wash my hands,” said Millea.

Millea developed this phobia within the past three years; however it rarely prevents her from maintaining a normal lifestyle.

“Even though I sometimes get caught up in the phobia, I have adjusted my life so the fear is more normal to me now,” said Millea.

Millea’s friends are also active in her fight against germs.

Junior Megann Venteicher, a croos country teammate and friend of Millea, said, “Megan walks around with her sweatshirt over her mouth and nose to protect herself. She has asked me during every practice since freshman year if she can get sick from something, like a particle, that flew in her mouth.”

Millea is afflicted but she tries not to let her phobia control her. In many movies and television shows characters with Verminophobia are affected so much it truly put their life on hold. Movies such as “What About Bob?” show phobias taking complete control over the character’s life. Bob is only able to escape from his fears by taking a vacation and placing trust in others. The television series “Monk” shows a phobia driven detective who has several fears including heights, milk, the dark and germs. His fears constantly challenge him, but eventually lead him into new innovative directions. Overcoming these fears force new experiences upon the afflicted.

Verminophobiacs are accustomed to using more tissue than normal, carry antibacterial hand wash, wipe off door knobs, use a lot of anti-bacterial spray and avoid people with colds.

Overall those afraid of germs are forced to remain a little more conscientious of the world around them.