How to choose
For diarrhoea or vomiting, only WHO-formula ORS will do — look for 'WHO recommended formula' on the pack (Electral and Electrobion sachets are the standards). The glucose-to-sodium ratio is what makes the gut absorb water; sweeter drinks with the wrong ratio can worsen diarrhoea in children. For heat, sweat and exercise, energy-electrolyte drinks (Enerzal, ready-to-drink tetra packs) are fine and taste better — they're hydration top-ups, not rehydration therapy. Sachets vs ready-to-drink: sachets are cheaper per litre and shelf-stable — keep a strip at home; RTD bottles win for travel and sick children who won't wait. Mix sachets in the exact water volume printed (usually 1 litre) — half-strength or double-strength mixing defeats the formula. Flavours help children actually drink it; Electral's assorted-flavour strip solves the 'won't take orange' problem.
Who really needs this
Every household medicine cabinet, non-negotiably — diarrhoea dehydrates children faster than any other common illness, and starting ORS at the first loose stool is the single most protective step. Also: fever with poor intake, vomiting (small frequent sips), Chennai-summer heat exhaustion, long fasts, and heavy-sweat workouts (the energy-drink variants). See a doctor urgently for: an infant under 6 months with diarrhoea, blood in stool, no urine for 8+ hours, sunken eyes or lethargy, or vomiting that won't keep even sips down — ORS supports treatment, it doesn't replace it.
