The objective of this study, carried out in the Edouard Herriot Hospital (Lyon, France) between 20 June and 24 July 2006.was to detail the awareness of influenza transmission and prevention among hospitalized individuals. The study indicates that continuous infection control efforts are needed to inform healthcare workers about hygiene procedures and influenza prevention need an additional component: effective patient education. Journal of Hospital Infection 2007;57(3):293-5.