Because cold symptoms often last 10 -14 days it would impractical for both the child, and often the parent, to keep the child out of school the entire time the indications, such as runny nose, etc. are present. Remember colds and flu are often hard to distinguish from each other. Both are caused by viruses and often affect the nose and throat. Flu symptoms are often more sever than those of a cold and typically are accompanied by fever, chills, muscle aches and general feelings of malaise. Prevention is the best medicine, as with routine vaccinations, a flu vaccination can help prevent or lessen symptoms. Also important is hand washing, covering hands with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and keeping fingers away from the nose and eyes. For more information on flu vaccinations contact the Amador County Health Department at 223-6407.