[Nosocomial viral infections. Hepatitis, herpes and flu viruses].

Viruses account for about 5% of all nosocomial infections. Viral cross-infection is most common in infants and children, but also occurs in other groups, including the elderly, institutionalized persons of all ages, immunecompromised hosts, and patients with underlying chronic pulmonary, renal, or cardiac disease. These infections are associated with extended length of hospital stay, as well as considerable morbidity and mortality. The new technology of rapid viral diagnosis allows a more timely and accurate recognition of viral infections, even in the smaller hospital with limited laboratory resources. Early recognition of viral diseases should, in turn, permit the introduction, and further evaluation of specific measures for their control. Influenza vaccination of health care workers is an important prevention strategy for nosocomial infection.