Recently the CDC came out with a study that showed nearly 1/3 of swimming-related illnesses from 2000-2014 could be traced back to pathogens found in hotel pools or hot tubs. The most likely culprit is Cryptosporidium (Crypto) parasite, or Pseudomonas and Legionella bacteria. So, fine, stay out of the pool if you like, but what about your room? What is lurking on the sheets, the sink, the toilet? As it turns out, there are lots of gooey germs.
First, the remote for the TV. It’s not often cleaned when the rooms are being changed over, and everyone touches it. That bedspread or duvet? Those items are bulky, and unlike sheets are not washed and replaced with every new guest. Toss it in the closet for the duration of your stay. Ice buckets and those paper wrapped glasses next to the sink? No thank you; many have tested positive for e.coli. Coffee makers are also a safe harbor for germs because while you might sanitize the one you have at home with a dash of vinegar every few weeks, hotel rooms are turned over in 30 minutes or less, there’s often no time to attend to the coffee maker, light switches, and other surfaces. Bring along some disinfectant wipes to keep germs at bay.
