This is an abnormal mental condition in a person characterized by an inflated or
irrational fear of catching disease. People who go to extreme lengths to protect themselves from catching disease are said to be "germaphobic" .
Examples include:
1)Using paper towels to turn off taps and open doors in bathrooms.
2)Avoiding finger food that is placed in communal serving dishes e.g.
potato chips.
3)Using an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer after shaking hands or simply refusing to shake hand with others.
People who suffer from OCD are often germaphobic and in slang are said to be Germaphobes.