The Nicolle telephone survey, conducted in 2005–2006 by the National Institute for Prevention and Health Education (INPES) with scientific support from the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (InVS) to study the general public’s perceptions of infectious diseases, surveyed 4,112 people aged 18 to 79. In particular, it explored perceptions regarding nosocomial infections and showed that 46% of respondents believe the risk of contracting a nosocomial infection has increased over the past 10 years, a perception that appears to contradict French surveillance data. The factors contributing to this perception must be studied to better tailor messages intended for the general public.