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.
Keeping children hydrated while sick is key to recovery, regardless of whether it's a cold or flu. Of course, that's easier said than done when the child's throat is sore. Stick with cool or warm liquids - whichever your child prefers. {relatedarticles}Good hydrators that are cool include popsicles, watered-down juice or electrolyte replacement solutions, such as Pedialyte, which are particularly important for rehydration if the child has been vomiting or has had diarrhea. Good warm liquids include broths and soups or herbal teas. Liquids also have the added benefit of thinning mucus, helping cold-afflicted kids breathe better. Use a humidifier to make kids more comfortable at night, and offer water-based foods like fruit when the child feels up to it. For a flu-stricken child, rest is particularly important. Be sure that a child with a fever in particular doesn't get overheated in playing. Quiet time, fluids and a little TLC will go a long way in getting your child back on her feet.