I have a very sore shin and i am worried i might have shin splints. what can i do to prevent and treat it?

Unfortunately, shin splints are very common. Rest and ice are the best treatments (along with ibuprofen for pain and swelling). There are exercises, such as toe raises, that help strengthen that muscle around the shin and help prevent them, but mostly they're causes from running on hard surfaces. Make sure you have a PROPER running shoe (with a thick sole) and try to stay off hard surfaces.