Monsoon in Bengaluru: medicines and supplies to keep at home

Bengaluru’s rains are lovely from a balcony and less lovely from a flooded underpass. The monsoon also brings colds, stomach bugs and mosquitoes. A small kit at home means you are not hunting for a pharmacy in the rain at night.

The monsoon medicine kit

• Paracetamol for fever and pain, in adult and children’s forms if you have kids (500 vs 650, explained).
• ORS sachets for loose motions and vomiting. Mix exactly as the packet says.
• A digital thermometer.
• Antiseptic liquid or cream, bandages and surgical tape for cuts and scrapes.
• Mosquito repellent and nets or window screens.
• Any regular medicines your family takes, with at least a week’s extra supply.

Dengue: the warning signs

Dengue spreads through mosquito bites and peaks during and after the rains. It often starts with a sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and strong muscle and joint pain.

• See a doctor early for a high fever with body pain during the monsoon.
• Use paracetamol for the fever and avoid ibuprofen, aspirin and similar painkillers until dengue is ruled out, because they can raise the risk of bleeding.
• Go to a hospital right away for severe stomach pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding gums or nose, black stools, or if the person becomes very tired or restless, especially as the fever comes down.

Simple monsoon habits

• Empty standing water in pots, coolers and trays every few days; that is where mosquitoes breed.
• Drink boiled or filtered water, and wash fruit and vegetables well.
• Dry wet feet properly to avoid fungal infections.

This article is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about your health or someone else’s, speak to a doctor.