DennyP Travel Message Boards Forums Archives - Read Only Hedonism II Archives Virus going around at Hedo?

I once had a manager ask me ... "why are you always so happy?" I replied ... "why are you always so miserable?"

Nice post davenrose!

I *have* seen workers cleaning the filters with a power washer. And efforts *are* made to keep the things clean - but I don't think those units were ever meant for the conditions they are subject too.

But tell me more of this Lysol Mold & Mildew Blaster...

http://www.lysol.com/products/bathroom-triggers/lysol-mold-mildew-blaster/

I'm guessing this is what's being referred to. Not sure if it's ok to use to clean AC filters though...

I use to pack Lysol and a spray can of bug killer when I went to Hedo. I sprayed the A/c unit with Lysol and the bath room sink area with the bug spray to get rid of the small ants that always appeared. Then the TSA started removing pressured cans from the luggage, After that I would stop at the mini mart next to the air field to get them. The past few years we havent bothered because the new A/C units seem to have less of the problem. What was funny is other guests would pass around a joint and I passed around the can of lysol

You can still pack aerosol cans such as Lysol or bug spray as long as it's in your checked luggage and not your carry-ons.

I have never had any aerosol cans confiscated from my luggage. The rule used to read that you could take a normal amount for personal use (of whatever spray cans you need). I have heard of others having things removed, but it was when they had brought huge economy sizes of things and/or multiple cans of things.
More than anything I think it's probably a crap-shoot as to how they treat the checked luggage.

As a guy with a current case of the crud, I have no idea where I caught it, but I'm surprised people easily conclude they contracted it at Hedo. People play hard on vacation, they get a little run down, and the first bug that comes along finds it easy to make you sick. There were a few sick people on the flight from MoBay to Charlotte, and from Charlotte home, so I wouldn't be surprised if I caught it from any one of them, but the bug could have come from anywhere.

Indeed LyleM. I think a lack of sleep by itself is enough to weaken our bodies, and if you couple that with the heavy drinking and close quarters on flights and at Hedo mingling with so many people from many different places, it's a wonder that many more don't go home with a cold.

Chris mentioned the elevated voice thing earlier too, which I would agree with. Screaming over the loudness of the speakers at Hedo for several days has definitely caused some throat issues for my friends and myself. I finally forced myself to not yell over everything the last time and everything went better.

Completely unrelated to respiratory problems...but my hubby had a spider bite looking zit on his thigh where it reaches his butt the day after we returned.Then he had two more pop up one on stomach and inner thigh. Went to the dr. It was diagnosed as MRSA. So he was put on antibiotics and had to follow up. he could have got it at home, airplane or Dr said perfect growth conditions in Jamaica. So be vigilant about any bumps,zits,boils any other skin conditions that appear.

For what it's worth, I've been using COLD-FX when I travel.
On two out of three trips I end up on a plane with sneezing coughing people, and a few days later I have a full blown cold. But, with the FX I only seem to get a sniffle - much better to cope with on a vacation.
I can't use it for more than two weeks straight as I start to get muscle aches - a sign that my immune system is over stimulated?

I've seen claims that some people don't benefit from it, and studies that are on both sides of the works/doesn't work debate, but I can only say that it works for me.

It's expensive, but try it if you get sick easily.

The time the TSA removed the two spray cans they left a notice in the suit case saying they weren't allowed. They were in the checked suit case.

During our Hedo II visit last October my wife came down with a horrible respirtory infection 3 days into our trip. We forgot to bring lysol to disinfect our air conditioner. Can't the mantinence people clean these out on a regular basis? I came down with the same problem the last day and it lingered for two weeks for me but about 2 1/2 months for my wife. Don't go unless you have something to disinfect those air conditioners!

In 10 trips we've never "Lysoled" anything -- breathing that chemical crap in is what will kill ya -- never been sick during or after.

Boy I love this board...and all the great responses, on both sides of each and every issue/post. Both Cyn and I have been sick upon our return from Hedo on some, but not most visits. As others have related, sometimes we play a bit too hard, singing too much...kissing too much, wait...you can't do that, generally just having a blast.

As T-38 so positively related...I hope for a quick recovery for all of our hedo pals, whether personaly known to us or not. For it is my goal...to eventually meet each and everyone of you. To share a drink, a discussion, an arguement, an interatction. This place we sometimes refer to as "home" or the "zoo", allows all of us to share time with one another.

So...to those who are sick get better, to those who that defend Hedo to the death...tis your right...and to the rest of us who love koolaid...don't ever grow old, keep Hedo in your heart as I do. It has changed our world, brought us closer as a couple, and introduced us to some of the most amazing people in the world.

Just think...all of this in only 34 trips over 22 years. Wonder what the next 22 will bring!!!

Peace, Love, and Respect every time!!!

Trip #35 soon come!!!

One trip, about 3 or 4 years ago, we noticed some black flecks on the bedside table, floor and half of the bed closest to the A/C.

After the maid came, they were cleaned up, but re-appeared every day. My wife also started getting a sore throat and losing her voice. However, she tends to yell and scream a lot when she is having fun, and definitely is a smoker.

We just assumed that the throat issue was caused by too much partying. Until someone suggested the A/C and mould connection. They had lysol and lent it to us to spray the hell out of the A/C, then turned it off to let it sit for the evening. My wifes symptoms started improving, and no more black flecks came out of the A/C.

From that point on I always bring a can of lysol and spray the A/C when we arrive.

For what its worth, I did google the issue when we returned after that trip, and mould seems to be a common problem in tropical A/Cs. Especially if you alternate between running the A/C and opening up the windows to let a new batch of humid air in, which the A/C will have to dry out when it gets switched back on, thus causing a lot more moisture/condensate build up on the A/C fins, then would happen if the A/C was left on 24/7 with the windows closed.

So as much as i like to sometimes chill on the couch in the room with the windows open and A/C off while my wife is getting ready for the evening, I don't do that anymore.

As I have written before, Lysol does not kill mol; however, it will keep clean surfaces free of mold if applied properly.

To kill mold, the surface must be treated with chlorine and then scrapped clean. Once the mold is removed, application of lysol will keep mold from forming for about a week per application.

The spray can reads: "To control mold and mildew and their odors: Spray pre-cleaned surface until covered with mist. Repeat applications as necessary."

It does disinfect and kill viruses, germs and bacteria.

Chuck

Whatever it does, I think the Lysol has helped when was getting congested in my room and I've sprayed the AC unit in my room. Don't know the science......... just know it helps.

Really though, you don't need to kill the mold (pretty much impossible in the tropics anyway), just control the spores. And Lysol does retard the release of spores. So does tanic acid - but than makes everything smell of stale tea.

For what it's worth, since I started using Lysol (first thing I do when I get into a room) my breathing has been less congested.

it's my belief that one should do whatever one needs to do to feel better, especially when it comes to visitors who have been to hedo multiple times (like my boss and i). the tropics are notorious for mold because...well, it's the tropics. after getting sick upon getting home after visits to hedo,we took disinfectant spray several times, whereas we sprayed the a/c unit upon arrival. i "think" it helped. well,we didn't git sick anymo'. ain't that what this is all about?

once again, as previously stated in another thread, i do and always will have a problem with "know it all's" preaching to us about what works, what doesn't, and the truth in "their" mind. this board has one or two of those individuals.

gather your info from the many opinions offered here and do what works for you. if said know it all is not paying your salary, it REALLY doesn't matter what they say. it's just their opinion. just like this is mine. your choice.

mr. dennymon's board is a plethora of info. thank you,sir, for all of your work and efforts. i am proud to call you "friend".

one love.

The Baron

I wonder if a newer type of room A/C would help the problem? I have not heard of this happening so frequently at other resorts.
This is a recurring topic at Hedo for many many years. I know that some resorts approach it different ways. It is not unusual for someone to knock on the door and ask if they can change your A/C filter at CN, but they tell me they try to do it between guests when they can. In fact CN just replaced every A/C unit in every room with entirely new units ... before the old ones stopped working. I asked why and they said it was an investment in customer satisfaction and in the infrastructure because the humidity is so hard on the rooms if the A/C is not doing a good job. I was told that they do this periodically and then sell the old units to other resorts in Jamaica who don't mind having older units that are nearing the more troublesome phase in their life cycle. Not saying Hedo buys used, but apparently some resorts do.
At my favorite place in Aruba (Bucuti) they have a working dehumidifier and a working HEPA Air Filter in every single room.
The guests can turn them off if the fan noise bothers them, but the lack of humidity in the rooms is a blessing in that climate and they say that they save more than it costs in furnishings, soft goods, mold, etc... and of course in customer satisfaction.
There are ways of dealing with these problems, even in Jamaica, without the guests having to bring chemicals from home and without the guests having to take apart the filter housings themselves. Upkeep here, even if it just meant a commitment to regular (but more frequent!) filter changing, would save Hedo $ and increase customer satisfaction. It might also end the decades long discussions of "Hedo Crud" and that can only be a good thing.
Roy

I'm considering a bottle of bleach next trip and a spray bottle. At a 10-1, 10-2 ratio, it will do the job.

That's a great idea, Doug, but you may run afoul of the TSA "Prohibited Items" list. Even in checked luggage, I think liquid bleach is a no-no.

And then there's the smell of Sodium Hypochlorite. Not particularly sexy, unless you happen to be courting an OCD clean freak.

Does anyone else find it slightly ironic that much fuss is being made about a virus at H2 that causes chest infections, when open, condom-less "lifestyle encounters" seem to be so prevalent?

I also find it ironic after years of folks complaining about the AC equipment that now that it's been replaced, guests think it's OK to take it apart or clean it on their own with whatever makes sense to them. Do that in a hotel someplace else, and the hotel really wouldn't go for that.

I'm not all that concerned about people spraying Lysol in the units or around the room and I've done that myself, but using other stuff probably is ill advised.

For perspective...engraved bricks and playrooms seem to be the priority.

"It's the infrastructure, stupid !"

I dunno about all this. I've never felt the need to Lysol the AC unit, at Hedo or at any other hotel I've stayed at. And I've been pretty much crud-free. Sometimes I think folks just feel the need to participate as much as possible, regardless of if it is necessary or not. Natural human need to be a part of the process. Just MHO........

Perhaps you are just lucky not to react badly to mold spores?
The same way a single peanut can kill some people - I can eat a bag full and not care.

Does anyone know if bleach is even generally safe to use on an AC unit without causing corrosion issues? Might want to find out about this before people start unintentionally damaging them by using bleach products.

Well it is true that I'm pretty insensitive. Just ask anybody.

I find it more irresponsible that ironic that people talk about contracting a disease that is potentially life threatening WITHOUT having first hand knowledge of the situation and therefore being hearsay (as I've stated before).

I also find it laughable that people that have stated they have not been to Hedo in years spout info like they are members of the maintenance staff.

We're all entitled to our opinions. If you feel the resort is that bad, "pull the plug" as another poster (different thread) has intelligently done.

Respect

Philly Dave,

I completely agree with your point of view. To each their own, and if the truth hurts...it probably should!!

Philly Dave, you're fighting a losing battle. People want to believe what they want to believe. You can explain that these reports are all anecdotal, and prove nothing, and they get angry. I have been somewhat interested in this for quite some time. There has been quite a lot of talk about this for years on the boards, primarily this one. When I first started going to Hedo in 2008, I started asking visitors there if they had ever gotten the "crud" described in these posts. After 18 visits, I have never gotten ill, and have asked approximately 150 or so visitors at Hedo, and I have yet to find a single one who described getting the respiratory type illness described on this board, either at Hedo, or immediately after returning. Of course, this evidence is anecdotal as well and proves nothing. The truth is, people get sick. They tend to get sick at greater rates on vacation, and following travel. This incidence is increased even further if air travel is involved. I've really never seen any convincing evidence that Hedo has any worse record in this regard compared to any where else.

Now if you want to discuss gastrointestinal illnesses, I might tell you a somewhat different story.

See you in Jamaica, mon, with the JWST next week!!!

As a person that is very sensitive to certain mold spores, I have done a little research on the matter. Many people are sensitive to molds and have a negative reaction to them. Molds are, as expected, common in wet tropical climates but are also common in other climates when there are moist places such as in homes. Molds in homes are a major cause of asthma and Jamaica has a high incidence of childhood asthma. If one resides within a few hundred feet of the seashore, the salt air kills some of the mold and one can assume that children are playing in the salt air thus that helps.Most Jamaican do not live within a few hundred feet of the sea. Most Jamaican homes are not air conditioned and many Jamaicans seem to prefer rather heavy curtains and upholstered furniture.Furthermore they seem to take offense at any hint that they should make sure that their pillows and bedding be monitored. I have observed the treatment of asthmatic children at Cornwall Hospital in Mobay and have brought asthma medication for children in Jamaica. My wife began to complain at home of sinus headaches soon after sitting down for breakfast. I could not understand the rather sudden onset of this malady. Then one morning I noticed that a little water feature planter that she had recently purchased and placed on a shelve near the breakfast nook was low on water. I lifted the container and was shocked to see a cluster of dark mold the size of a half dollar at the intake of the tiny pump. I ditched the device and my wife's headaches were gone. So I did some reading regarding molds. Mold spores are not spread as germs for instance ,from person to person, but from some contaminated surfaces such as an air conditioning filter. Lysol may not kill mold-no such claim is made-but it does help to clean the mold spores from the filter the same as soap and water would do. The loud talk and laughter at Hedo does cause receptive irritated mucus membranes and the drinking, partying and lack of sleep can cause a diminished immune system. People sleep in the closed up air conditioned rooms with restricted outside air flow thus limiting the salt air that might help kill the mold. Some people, in fact , open their rooms just enough to cause condensation of the very moist tropical air. What you get is the crud. We have cleaned our Hedo filters with had a good outcome.

There is no question that SOME people are sensitive to mold exposure. Nor is the fact that molds exsist in a tropical climate such as Jamaica a big surprise to anyone.

But this thread was not titled "mold in jamaica." It began as "virus going around at Hedo". This very rapidly expanded to Legionella pneumonia, which of course is neither a mold nor a virus. Along the way, there is the idea (sometimes implied, sometimes stated outright), that there is some sort of long term ongoing widespread outbreak of illness directly connected to Hedo. Furthermore, it is suggested that this illness is due to substandard maintenance or housekeeping, and that this is unique to Hedo, apart from all of the other Jamaican resorts. It is also suggested that management knows of this, and chooses to do nothing about it. It is this suggestion that I find very difficult to believe.

I can tell you that I was at Hedo a couple of years ago when there was a small outbreak of an (unrelated) gastrointestinal virus. I actually treated a couple of the victims who were with my group. I can tell you that management was very concerned, almost to the point of obsession, in finding the source. They were constantly asking everyone, "have you been sick?" and "do you know anyone who has been sick?". They questioned the ill about what they had eaten, where they had gone, were they on the catamaran cruise, were they at the repeaters party, had they been in contact with any of the other affected people, and so on. They seemed tremendously concerned about this relatively limited outbreak of a mild illness, so I can't imagine why a more prolonged, severe, and widespread illness would be ignored

I know, I know it's just that my tongue gets soooo sore from biting it so much when I read some of these posts that I have to vent. After all, I wouldn't want to miss all the fun activities that can be had without a sore tongue! LOL Maybe I should start a thread ... Sore tongue symptomatic with READING about Hedo!

See you there! Will you be in chat Sunday night?

Apologists can engage in a game of semantics as long as they wish. Mold which affects MANY people is spread by spores. Viruses are spread through contact and by airborne means. So called Legionnaires disease is caused by bacteria and spread by inhaling the bacteria. All these maladies can cause flu like symptoms with the Legionnaires disease causing rather severe pneumonia. I think that when one uses the term virus that they are using it-abeit erroneously- in rather general terms on this forum. Molds and bacteria can be spread through the air conditioning system. The AC system should of course be cleaned regularly. This has not always been the case at Hedo. Food borne infections are every resort's fear and there are widely used protocol to prevent such outbreaks. When a resort has an outbreak of this kind there are standard procedures such as taking stool samples if possible and checking food supplies and preparation surfaces for common bugs. When the health department authorities are notified, they can be rather quick in tracing the source. There is not usually any great mystery. E coli may be the bug. We all know of the cruise ships having massive outbreaks of gastrointestinal distress caused by a neurovirus.This bug can not be treated with an antibiotic. Luckily, in most cases, it is self limiting and the symptoms go away in three or four days. This malady can also be quickly identified by the health department. And I have seen the health department inspect the Hedo kitchen. They seemed competent and thorough. This forum, to my understanding, is open to comments by its members and these comments can be read, discussed and posters can be politely enlightened by other posters without hostility.

Now there, boys and girls, is a visual that I can't chase from my brain: dozens of Hedo guests lining up in front of the nurse's office to give stool samples... Oh, the humanity!

Health matters are not always beautiful. Diarrhia and vomit aren't exactly attractive. Everyone does not give a sample but you do need a representative sampling of those affected. I have unfortunately been involved in an outbreak of food contamination. The process is something like detective work. Funny how some can easily stomach some of the gross acts that occur at the resort……I guess that it takes all kinds. Of course, at Hedo, one might only need to take swabs of tongues and other body parts in order to find the relevant a**h*les. Forgve me Father, I just could not resist temptation.

ROFLMFAO (Just so this isn't erroneously interpreted as "hostile" by those making mountains out of mold spores, or something to that effect) To be perfectly clear, I sympathize with those with illnesses and do not take any of them lightly.

Thank you Aldol, for pointing out what I already knew ... however, it's time ... I SURRENDER (waving white flag).

I'm also reminded of a phrase often quoted by Harley riders ... "If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand."

139 trips to Hedo and never got or brought home a Hedo virus..I guess drinking huge amounts of Red Stripe and Myers rum helps