Fear of trichinosis (trichinophobia)

Trichinophobia is a fear of trichinosis, an infection caused by tiny roundworms usually picked up from undercooked meat such as pork or wild game. The fear may lead someone to avoid meat, overcook food, or worry after eating out. Anyone with symptoms that concern them should speak to a GP.

About this phobia

The name comes from Trichinella, the group of worms behind the infection, which is also called trichinellosis. The infection is real but rare in the UK. The phobia term appears mainly on lists, and the fear usually fits within wider food safety worries, health anxiety or a fear of parasites.

What it feels like

• Checking meat again and again to be sure it is fully cooked
• Avoiding pork, sausages or game, especially when eating out
• Worry about stomach or muscle aches after a meal

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Should I stop eating meat because of trichinosis?

Cooking meat thoroughly and following normal food hygiene is the usual advice, and the infection is rare in the UK. If the fear means eating much less or losing weight, speak to a GP, who can also check any symptoms.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

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