The flu is hitting the metro area hard this season. So far, The University of Kansas Health System has seen 596 patients who tested positive for Influenza. Of those, 25 have been admitted to the hospital for treatment.

There are steps everyone should take in an office setting to reduce the chance of spreading the flu.  A program of repeated handwashing is critical when people are in tight quarters like an office, as is training people how to cover their coughs and sneezes.  But, the entire office needs to realize that everything people touch is a potential flu virus carrier.

In the video, Dr. Dana Hawkinson, an infectious disease specialist in The University of Kansas Health System, says to make sure to use wipes with bleach or other antivirus chemicals to be most effective.  Dr. Hawkinson says while most offices think of wiping phones, keyboards or even tabletops, office people need to wipe doorknobs and arm rests.  Most of it, Dr. Hawkinson says seems like common sense, but it is common sense that requires action. The video also includes b-roll of the proper way to wash hands.