How to deal with working at a triggering job?

Hello, I just recently began a job as a middle school teacher. It's been my passion since I was 3 years old and it's the only thing I've ever wanted to do. The only problem is that my OCD causes this to be very difficult for me. My OCD mainly (and by mainly meaning that I have different OCD symptoms, including impulsive thoughts, the same string of words going in my head over and over again throughout the day and having to think certain thoughts to reverse them, etc and sometimes my OCD moves from one area to another) involves germs, which is obviously a problem in a school setting. I wash my hands around 50+ times a day already before even becoming a teacher and in a completely healthy setting. I have a constant fear of contracting an illness, a stomach virus mainly, and my entire day revolves around it and I can't eat, drink, sleep, do anything without washing my hands in the same pattern and if I'm especially triggered I have to wash and repeat over and over again which can at times take 5 minutes. This is a huge issue in the workplace and all day long I'm triggered. How on earth am I supposed to handle this when it's my job to be around sick, germy kids all day long? I clean the classroom to the best of my ability, give the kids hand sanitizer at every possible chance (before lunch/after recess and bathroom breaks) and take vitamins throughout the day, even drinking Airborne and other similar products. I take off my clothes the second I get home and immediately shower and have Zylast hand sanitizer with me at all times. I have a pack of tissues in my purse just for opening doors. It's absolutely exhausting. Does anyone have any tips? I would hate to have to leave a job I love all because of an illness.
**Also, I have started back on Zoloft, so I'm hoping this will help more down the line**
Thank you all!!

hi allmylife. sorry the reply is coming little late

i personally think it's the advantage of getting better by working at a triggering job, its like exposure therapy. (as far as i know) it will gradually help you to overcome the fears by slowly exposing them to the things that scare you. eventually, you'll find that you don't need to wash your hand excessively and it will ease your obsession.

of course it's not an easy one. many people refused to do exposure therapy.

i think it's fine to wash your hands/avoid the contamination though. but in your case it becomes an unhealthy obsession and seems too excessive and cause distress in your daily life.

don't let your OCD disrupt your career and your passion. let us know how you're doing, i hope this helps a little bit.