A monsoon immunity checklist for the whole family

The monsoon brings welcome relief from the heat, but the humidity and standing water that come with it are also prime conditions for seasonal colds, flu, and water-borne infections. A few consistent habits go a long way toward keeping the whole household well through the season.

Start with water

Boil or filter drinking water, and be stricter about it than you are in summer. Most monsoon stomach trouble traces back to water rather than food.

Keep the basics stocked

A small, well-chosen shelf beats a large disorganised one:

• Paracetamol for fever and body ache
• An oral rehydration solution
• A reliable antiseptic
• Your regular prescription medicines, with at least two weeks in hand

Vitamins worth the shelf space

Vitamin C and zinc have the most consistent evidence behind them for shortening common colds. Vitamin D matters year-round but especially when sunlight is scarce for weeks at a time.

When to stop self-treating

Fever beyond three days, breathlessness, or dehydration in a child or elderly family member are reasons to see a doctor rather than reach for another tablet.