If the crud hasn't hit your house this season yet, then it probably will soon. And when it does, be prepared. You can end the misery of colds and flu faster - or at least make them more tolerable - by taking a few precautions. Of course, getting a flu shot goes a long way in prevention. {relatedarticles}This season, there is one vaccine that includes two strains of the flu, including H1N1, or swine flu. There is no cure or vaccine for the common cold, but being vigilant against germs goes a long way. Teach your children effective ways to wash their hands, including healthy toilet habits. Prevent babies, whose immune systems aren't fully developed, from being exposed to other children who are sick if possible. Take your children out of daycare or school when you know she is infectious and is too young to prevent passing it on to other kids. Older children should be schooled in ways to prevent transmission, such as sneezing into a sleeve or tissue instead of the hand. Keep kids with fever home until the fever subsides. A high fever, chills and aches often differentiate a case of the flu from a garden-variety cold.