The Germaphobes' Survival Guide to Halloween

By Jackie Lamb

Zombies are scary, but germs are scarier.

As someone who suffered from childhood asthma, I’ve found that the pandemic has intensified my germaphobia. Whether it’s wearing a mask indoors or carrying a bottle of hand sanitizer with me at all times, I believe that it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health.

But just because you’re a clean freak doesn’t mean that you hate Halloween. After all, who doesn’t love free candy and the opportunity to dress up as Harry Potter for the fifth year in a row? That being said, you can’t help but flinch at the sight of Trick-or-Treaters double-dipping from the candy bucket after picking their nose. Don’t they know we’re already battling the plague?!

If this sounds anything like you, there’s good news: you can still enjoy Halloween despite your germaphobia. Here are some easy tips and tricks that are guaranteed to lessen your anxiety.

Only purchase and consume individually packaged candy

In addition to providing a solution to the above scenario, this step also ensures that your choice of candy stays fresh for longer periods of time. Since Halloween is during the height of flu and cold season, individual packing also decreases the risk of your food being coughed or -- God forbid -- sneezed upon.

Make a mask part of your costume

As we’re still in the middle of a pandemic, it is likely that your germaphobia is on heightened alert. Therefore, what better way to protect yourself from exposure to the virus than by incorporating a mask into your costume? Whether you’re going as a Squid Game guard or Spiderman, Halloween gives you the perfect excuse to wear a mask outdoors while enhancing your costume.

Carry hand sanitizer at all times

If you’ve followed steps one and two but are still experiencing germaphobia-related stress, then this step should help ease your worried mind. By bringing a bottle of hand sanitizer to a friend’s Halloween party or to Trick-or-Treating on Embassy Row, you can enjoy all the holiday has to offer while maintaining your impressively high levels of sanitization. If you opt to carry hand wipes, make sure to keep those individual packets separate from your candy (There’s a reason why there’s no such thing as a sanitizer-flavored KitKat bar).

I hope these tips and tricks help you, my fellow germaphobes, to feel more relaxed this spooky season. On that note, have a happy (and sanitary) Halloween!