Here are medicines, first aid equipment you need to keep handy during rainy season

Hyderabad: The monsoon brings much-needed relief from the summer heat but also creates the perfect environment for infections, accidents, and seasonal illnesses.

A well-prepared monsoon emergency kit can make a significant difference in handling sudden health concerns at home or while traveling.

Why a Monsoon Kit Matters

High humidity and waterlogging during the rainy season increase the risk of viral fevers, waterborne infections, and skin issues.

Dr. Aparna Joshi, General Physician speaking to Newsmeter explains, “Monsoon-related illnesses like dengue, malaria, leptospirosis, and seasonal flu rise sharply during this period. Households should keep a basic kit ready for immediate response before seeking medical help.”

Core Medicines to Keep Handy

Fever and Pain Relief

Paracetamol-based tablets such as Dolo-650 are essential for managing fever and mild body aches.

Dr. Kiran Raj, Internal Medicine Specialist, says, “Patients often panic with sudden spikes in temperature. Having paracetamol at home helps control fever until proper consultation is done.”

Rehydration and Digestion

Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) packets, antacids, and probiotics help counter dehydration and gastrointestinal upsets, common after consuming contaminated food or water.

Anti-Allergy Support

Antihistamines like cetirizine are useful for sudden allergic reactions triggered by dampness, molds, or insect bites.

Basic First Aid Drugs

Keeping pain relief sprays, antiseptic creams, and mild antibiotics (if prescribed by a doctor beforehand) can help manage injuries or skin infections.

Hygiene and Safety Essentials

Antiseptics

Dettol or Savlon solutions are crucial for disinfecting wounds and surfaces.

“Even minor cuts during monsoon can turn infectious quickly if not cleaned with an antiseptic,” said Dr. Joshi.

Hand Sanitizer and Soap

Frequent handwashing reduces the risk of stomach infections. Alcohol-based sanitizers are useful when clean water isn’t available.

Mosquito Protection

Mosquito repellents, coils, and nets are necessary to reduce the risk of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunya.

Protective Gear

Waterproofing and Clothing

Raincoats, umbrellas, and quick-dry clothing minimize exposure to rainwater. Damp clothes increase the risk of fungal infections.

Footwear

Rubber or waterproof shoes protect against fungal infections and leptospirosis, which spreads through contaminated puddles.

For Children and Elderly Care

Children and older adults are more vulnerable during the monsoon. Pediatrician Dr. Sandeep Rao notes, “Parents should keep age-appropriate paracetamol syrups, thermometers, and nasal saline drops ready. For the elderly, blood pressure and sugar monitoring devices must be part of the kit.”

Travel and Outdoor Readiness

For those who commute daily, carrying a compact pouch with a small antiseptic bottle, band-aids, mosquito repellent cream, and a strip of paracetamol is practical. ORS sachets are particularly important for travelers.

Home Environment Additions

A monsoon kit is not limited to medicines and first aid. Useful home additions include:

• Torchlights and spare batteries for power cuts

• Packaged drinking water and water purifiers to prevent waterborne illness

• Dry food supplies like biscuits and nuts for emergencies

• Plastic zip bags to keep medicines and documents moisture-free

Final Checklist

A functional monsoon emergency kit should ideally contain:

• Fever medicine (Dolo-650 or similar)

• ORS packets and probiotics

• Antihistamines

• Pain relief spray and antiseptic cream

• Dettol/Savlon solution

• Sanitizer and soap

• Mosquito repellent

• Waterproof clothing and footwear

• Thermometer

• Child and elderly-specific medicines

• Emergency food, water, and torchlight

Conclusion

The monsoon is as much about preparedness as it is about enjoying the rains. A well-stocked kit ensures that minor health concerns don’t escalate into emergencies. As Dr. Joshi emphasizes, “Timely first aid and hygiene can prevent most seasonal illnesses from becoming serious. Prevention should be the first line of defense during the rains.”