Living With The Fear of Germs

I was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at the age of three, and since forever I have lived with the fear of germs. I always get the shivers to touch a door knob or press the lift buttons, creep myself out to use a public bathroom, my stomach turns to even think about sleeping in other people’s beds or in hotel rooms. When I was young the playground was a red zone for me and school desks were a nightmare. I have always carried hand sanitizer in my bag and disinfectant wipes. I never liked people touching my desk, my pen, my diary, my phone, my wallet… whatever it is. Everyday I wake up do my meds, head to work, clean my desk, my pen, my mug, wash my hands and start the day. Come home clean my phone, my keys, wash my hands and do my afternoon meds. Being extra careful at this time is not such a new thing for me, it’s just a tad more ( or just MORE). Am I freaking out? Oh YES !!

Going through this with the whole world, gives me the feeling that for once, I or rather ‘we’ who live with a diseases, are being understood. Being understood of what it feels like to live your whole life with the fear of germs. People are giving death stares to people who sneeze without a tissue, or cough in their hands and touch a door knob. This should not be just now, but forever.

It takes not just for me to be extra careful but all those around me especially my family. and for this I thank them from the bottom of my heart. For them it also means : buy me groceries. stay indoors. make less contact with people. Miss concerts, events, family gatherings, friends outings and be extra careful. So for the time being and for the rest that have yet to come, lets all be extra careful for ourselves and be respectful.

No its not cool to unfollow quarantine rules. No its not showing how strong we are to not give one thought about it. and We shall be responsible because we are one. We care about our country. We care about each other.

People like me who lives with a disease, Lives with the fear of germs their whole life. 🌹#LivingwithCF #lockdownforus #65roses #berespectful #thinkofothers #Covid19