What medicines and medical supplies are needed?

Pharmacist Ngo Thi Ngoc Trung, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Facility 3 said that in natural disasters such as floods and storms, having basic medicines ready is extremely important to help prevent and promptly treat common diseases.

Below is a list of basic medicines you should have, along with instructions for use and warnings so you can better protect your health during storms.

Pain reliever, fever reducer (Paracetamol)

Uses: Pain relief, fever reduction in cases of high fever, headache, muscle pain due to weather changes.

Dosage: Adults: 500-1,000 mg every 4-6 hours, not to exceed 4 g/day. Children: Use as directed on package or consult a physician.

Warning: Avoid overdose, especially in people with a history of liver disease.

Having basic medicines in your home medicine bag is very useful during times of isolation due to floods.

Antidiarrheal (Diosmectite)

Uses: Reduces diarrhea symptoms, absorbs gas in the intestines, restores the permeability of the digestive tract mucosa to normal.

Dosage: Adults 3 packs x 3 g/day for 7 days. Children over 2 years old 4 packs x 3 g/day for the first 3 days. Then 2 packs x 3 g/day for the next 4 days.

Warning: Do not use in case of diarrhea due to infection or blood in stool, need to treat thoroughly with antibiotics if caused by bacteria.

Antihistamines (Loratadine or Cetirizine)

Uses: Reduces allergy symptoms such as itching, rash, hives caused by humid environment and dirty water.

Dosage: Loratadine: 10 mg/day. Cetirizine: 5-10 mg/day depending on the severity of allergy.

Warning: Do not use in children under 2 years of age without medical advice.

Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)

Uses: Replenishes water and electrolytes for the body when dehydrated due to diarrhea, vomiting or high fever.

How to use: Mix 1 packet of ORS with clean water (depending on the content on the package), drink small sips after each bowel movement or vomiting.

Warning: Use the diluted solution within 24 hours, then prepare a new one if necessary. Do not mix with mineral water as it will increase the ratio of electrolytes.

Topical antiseptics (Betadine, Povidone-Iodine)

Uses: Disinfects skin wounds, cuts, and scratches to prevent infection.

How to use: Apply directly to affected skin after cleaning.

Warning: Do not apply on large areas or large wounds without medical advice.

Bandages and adhesive bandages help cover small wounds.

Mosquito repellent, insect repellent (DEET or Picaridin)

Uses: Prevent mosquito bites, especially mosquitoes carrying viruses that cause malaria, dengue fever, and other infectious diseases.

How to use: Apply evenly on skin before going out, avoid applying on eyes and mouth area.

Warning: Avoid use on children under 2 months of age. For young children, apply to adult hands only and then apply to child's skin.

Cough and cold medicine (Chlorpheniramine, Acetylcysteine)

Uses: Reduces symptoms of cough and cold such as runny nose and sore throat.

Dosage: Adults use the dose indicated on the package. Children consult a doctor for appropriate dosage.

Warning: Do not use if you have high blood pressure or heart disease without consulting your doctor.

Silver bandage, personal bandage, wind oil, physiological saline...

In addition, according to medical experts, some necessary medical tools such as: Bandages, adhesive tape to cover small wounds, essential oils for external use when having flu, stomachache, 0.9% saline for eye and nose drops, 10% povidone iodine for external use as an antiseptic...

Notes when using medicine

Pharmacist Ngoc Trung shares some notes when using a home medicine cabinet:

Preservation of medicine : Keep medicine in a cool, dry place and avoid direct sunlight. In particular, check the expiry date of the medicine before use.

Doctor consultation : If there are any unusual signs or serious illness, you should immediately contact a medical facility for timely examination and treatment.

Improve personal hygiene : Keep hands, food, and drinking water clean to prevent digestive diseases and infections.

"In a flood situation, health is the most valuable asset. Hopefully, with proper preparation and knowledge, we can get through this difficult period safely," the doctor advised.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/phong-benh-sau-mua-lu-nhung-loai-thuoc-va-vat-dung-y-te-nao-can-co-185240918140410586.htm