RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Influenza epidemics can have consequences in terms of morbidity and mortality for the patients. This work assesses influenza outbreaks in order to validate and optimize alert and control measures in a psychiatric hospital. METHOD: The prospective monitoring of influenza episodes was conducted for 8 years in 19 units of a mental health hospital. Rapid influenza diagnostic tests were used. The study of the episodes with confirmed influenza cases was carried out. RESULTS: Influenza monitoring and alert were essential with information and laboratory-confirmed cases. Influenza was common with a total of 20 episodes for the studied period. A maximum of 25% (5/20) of the units were affected in 2008-2009. Rapid influenza diagnostic tests allowed a quick identification with an average time of 1.5 days. Mainly, control measures limited the spread of the influenza virus in units with patient not at high risk of complications. On the other hand, antiviral curative treatment and chemoprophylaxis are essential in units with patients at high risk of complications. CONCLUSION: In a psychiatric hospital, influenza management has to take into account the exposed patient's risks for influenza complications and to adapt the strategy according to the risks identified.