[Prevention and care management of influenza infection in institutions for the elderly and high risk groups].

Influenza infection is a serious problem in institutions for the elderly and those with increased risk factors because of the high pneumonia complication rate and a significant increase in mortality. An outbreak of influenza is mainly caused by contact from the staff to residents, therefore the health care of the staffs and prevention of influenza should be a high priority in institutions such as nursing homes. To prevent influenza epidemics, institutionalised elderly and high risk groups should be vaccinated more actively. The rapid test for diagnosis of influenza viral infection permits the timely administration of antiviral agents and infection control among institutionalised elderly and high risk groups. Amantadine and neuraminidase inhibitors could be used for treatment and prophylaxis of influenza among institutionalised elderly and high risk group patients.