The Outbreaks: Prevention, testing and management of common illnesses and infections page on this website has been reviewed and where needed updated for the year 2025/2026.
This page provides information and guidance to help prepare for, and support people, with common illnesses which can be linked to outbreaks.
Some of these illnesses tend to happen during the Winter months and may be referred to as Winter illnesses or bugs.
The page contains information on prevention, testing and control of illnesses, including, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections and scabies.
Information on the page includes:
- Winter Preparedness Campaign by NHS Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection (ARHAI) team in Scotland
- The Care Home Infection Prevention and Control Manual (CH IPCM)
- A video by East Region Health Protection Service covering common respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses.
- Information on scabies
- Care Home Outbreak Box for gastrointestinal & respiratory Illnesses (important information to help with an outbreak or suspected outbreak)
- Useful links and resources
