{"id":7172,"date":"2026-10-27T14:58:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-27T14:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/?page_id=7172"},"modified":"2026-10-27T15:04:48","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T15:04:48","slug":"outbreaks-prevention-testing-and-management-of-common-illnesses","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/outbreaks-prevention-testing-and-management-of-common-illnesses\/","title":{"rendered":"Outbreaks: Prevention, testing and management of common illnesses and infections"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-light-accent-grey-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 id=\"outbreak-information-guidance-and-education\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Outbreak Information, Guidance and Education<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">This page provides information and guidance to help prepare for, and support people, with common infections which can be linked to outbreaks.<br><br>You will find information on prevention, testing and control of infection, including, <a href=\"#Education-available\">respiratory and gastrointestinal infections<\/a> and <strong><a href=\"#scabies-itchy\">scabies<\/a><\/strong>. You will also find details of the <a href=\"#Care-Home-Outbreak-Box\">Care Home Outbreak Box<\/a> for use in outbreaks or suspected outbreaks of gastrointestinal  or respiratory infection. Some of these infections tend to happen during the Winter months and may be referred to as Winter infections, Winter illnesses or Winter bugs but they can also happen outwith Winter. <br><br>Please visit the &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/vaccination-information-on-power-of-attorney\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vaccinations and Power of Attorney<\/a>&#8221; webpage to find out more information on Care Homes residents consenting to vaccinations and Care Home preparation for a visit by the Vaccination team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Please visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/health-protection\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">East Region Health Protection Service<\/a> webpage for outbreak notification forms for acute respiratory &amp; GI infections and Scabies. You may also find the <a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2026\/10\/care-home-ipc-standards-checklist-v10.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IPC Standards Checklist<\/a> helpful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-light-accent-green-background-color has-background has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">Further to the resources on this page the NHS Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection (ARHAI) team in Scotland have launched a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nipcm.hps.scot.nhs.uk\/winter-preparedness-campaign-2026-see-whats-changed-share-whats-new-strengthen-your-practice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Winter Preparedness Campaign 2026<\/a> . <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\"><strong>**Please note**<\/strong> <br>All documents and links on this page are reviewed (at least) annually, usually in the run up to Winter, please always check that you are using the most up to date version of any document. All documents reviewed October 2026 and updated as required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-light-accent-plum-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\">The most up to date national information and guidance can be found online within<br> <a href=\"https:\/\/nipcm.hps.scot.nhs.uk\/care-home-infection-prevention-and-control-manual-ch-ipcm\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Care Home Infection Prevention and Control Manual (CH IPCM) <\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-light-accent-green-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\" id=\"Education-available\">Video: Overview of common infections and related measures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">This short video has kindly been shared by <a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/health-protection\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">East Region Health Protection Service<\/a> and NHS Lothians Infection Prevention and Control Team (Care Homes) covers <strong>common respiratory and gastrointestinal infections<\/strong>., outbreak measures and Transmission based precautions (TBP&#8217;s). Please also see a poster with QR Codes to the Video and other resources, that can be shared with staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Care Home webinar 2026\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/1229868422?h=034481a338&amp;dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963\" width=\"1520\" height=\"855\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">All information correct to cover Winter 2026<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\" class=\"wp-block-file\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!state.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2026\/10\/3-AUDREY-2026-Winter-Preparedness-Presentation-Poster.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"PDF embed\"><\/object><a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2026\/10\/3-AUDREY-2026-Winter-Preparedness-Presentation-Poster.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download>Download the Poster<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-light-accent-grey-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-pb-accordion-item c-accordion__item js-accordion-item no-js\" data-initially-open=\"false\" data-click-to-close=\"true\" data-auto-close=\"true\" data-scroll=\"true\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" id=\"scabies-itchy\"><h2 id=\"at-71720\" class=\"c-accordion__title js-accordion-controller\" role=\"button\">Scabies<\/h2><div id=\"ac-71720\" class=\"c-accordion__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-light-accent-grey-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 id=\"what-is-scabies\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Scabies?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scabies&nbsp;is a contagious (infectious) skin condition caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis; it can be found in many areas, including, Care Homes and schools. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"groups-most-likely-to-be-affected\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Groups most likely to be affected<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Groups most at risk are those with a weakened immune system, elderly people and people who are disabled (particularly those with neurological disorders). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-light-accent-green-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"typical-scabies\">Typical Scabies<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h5 id=\"signs-and-symptoms\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Signs and Symptoms<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Infestations normally affect skin folds, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Between fingers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On the: \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wrist<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Elbows<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Knees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Around the buttock or breast creases<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> <br>The main symptom of scabies infestation is intense itching of affected areas, particularly at night. There can also be a pimple-like skin rash or tiny raised lines caused by the mite burrowing into the skin to lay eggs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 id=\"transmission\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Transmission<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Transmission normally only occurs with prolonged direct contact with an affected person, though can be spread indirectly via the sharing of clothing, towels or bedding. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-light-accent-green-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"crusted-scabies\"><strong>Crusted Scabies&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Is a severe form of the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 id=\"signs-and-symptoms\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Signs and Symptoms<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The skin develops thick crusts containing large amounts of mites\/eggs. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Often persons with crusted scabies do not have the usual signs and symptoms making the disease harder to diagnose. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 id=\"transmission\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Transmission<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Crusted scabies is highly contagious either from direct or indirect contact and requires quick, aggressive treatment to prevent outbreaks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-light-accent-green-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"outbreaks-of-scabies\">Outbreaks of Scabies<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Outbreaks are most common in the winter and tend to occur in populations in close, prolonged contact, such as children in school\/nursery (and their parents) and nursing home residents.<br><br>Please visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/health-protection\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">East Region Health Protection Service<\/a>&nbsp;webpage for outbreak notification forms for Scabies. Please remember it is a Care setting&#8217;s\/service&#8217;s responsibility to proactively implement control measures as per guidance immediately and independently in response to symptomatic residents.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-light-accent-green-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"guidance-and-supporting-materials\"><strong>Guidance and supporting materials<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"scabies-back-to-basics-webinar\">Scabies Back to Basics Webinar<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Please view the video of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nipcm.scot.nhs.uk\/media\/2370\/20241107-chipc2425-_6-scabies-recorded-presn-final-v010.ppsx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Scabies Back to Basics webinar<\/a> (please note this is a download) available on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nipcm.scot.nhs.uk\/resources\/care-home-ipc-webinar-scabies-back-to-basics-23-october-2024\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">National Infection Prevention and Control Manual website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"scottish\"><strong>Scottish<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nhsinform.scot%2Fillnesses-and-conditions%2Fskin-hair-and-nails%2Fscabies%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Chazel.stewart8%40nhs.scot%7Cf6fc3c40aab14a172cae08de963d9fa6%7C10efe0bda0304bca809cb5e6745e499a%7C0%7C0%7C639113388568422536%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=rF%2FkfB0iqLNWa9gcVf0gml9YLmleYqgLgFIwNg8GpCU%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Scabies, (NHS Inform)&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublichealthscotland.scot%2Fpublications%2Fpublic-health-management-of-scabies%2Fpublic-health-management-of-scabies-version-1%2Foverview%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Chazel.stewart8%40nhs.scot%7Cf6fc3c40aab14a172cae08de963d9fa6%7C10efe0bda0304bca809cb5e6745e499a%7C0%7C0%7C639113388568438897%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=Bl03kF0S8xGP5S7dPcHXMKeezxOSOPJ72qy5CnGYoFQ%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Public health management of scabies, (PHS)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"uk\">UK<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fgovernment%2Fpublications%2Fscabies-management-advice-for-health-professionals%2Fukhsa-guidance-on-the-management-of-scabies-cases-and-outbreaks-in-long-term-care-facilities-and-other-closed-settings&amp;data=05%7C02%7Chazel.stewart8%40nhs.scot%7Cf6fc3c40aab14a172cae08de963d9fa6%7C10efe0bda0304bca809cb5e6745e499a%7C0%7C0%7C639113388568474028%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=pODiFIWclV1P9Z3F%2FT7AFQnnx2NzeocgFZBudv1WPcE%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UKHSA guidelines for the management of scabies cases and outbreaks in communal residential settings, (UKHSA)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcks.nice.org.uk%2Fscabies&amp;data=05%7C02%7Chazel.stewart8%40nhs.scot%7Cf6fc3c40aab14a172cae08de963d9fa6%7C10efe0bda0304bca809cb5e6745e499a%7C0%7C0%7C639113388568456913%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=48RESUDSKzgQJ2z34pYNcq9%2Fz1ldUElA7BkTZ1D2HKs%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Scabies. Clinical Knowledge Summary, (NICE)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-pb-accordion-item c-accordion__item js-accordion-item no-js\" data-initially-open=\"false\" data-click-to-close=\"true\" data-auto-close=\"true\" data-scroll=\"true\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" id=\"Care-Home-Outbreak-Box\"><h2 id=\"at-71721\" class=\"c-accordion__title js-accordion-controller\" role=\"button\">Outbreak Guidance &amp; Resources &#8211; Respiratory and Gastrointestinal<\/h2><div id=\"ac-71721\" class=\"c-accordion__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-light-accent-grey-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 id=\"what-is-a-care-home-outbreak-box\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a Care Home Outbreak Box?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although it is recognised Care Homes manage outbreaks of infection well, the idea of the Care Home Outbreak Box (AKA Outbreak Grab Box) is to have outbreak information and resources available in one central point within the Care Home. <br><br>The Care Homes outbreak box aims to contain information required during an outbreak and contains guidance and posters on various aspects from PPE to sampling procedures.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"724\" src=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/06\/Care-Home-Outbreak-Box-Box-Label-1024x724.png\" alt=\"Care Home Outbreak Box Box Label\" class=\"wp-image-12332\" srcset=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/06\/Care-Home-Outbreak-Box-Box-Label-1024x724.png 1024w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/06\/Care-Home-Outbreak-Box-Box-Label-300x212.png 300w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/06\/Care-Home-Outbreak-Box-Box-Label-768x543.png 768w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/06\/Care-Home-Outbreak-Box-Box-Label-1536x1086.png 1536w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/06\/Care-Home-Outbreak-Box-Box-Label-1520x1075.png 1520w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/06\/Care-Home-Outbreak-Box-Box-Label.png 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is entirely voluntary if a Care Home chooses to have or use an outbreak box although the East Region Health Protection Service (formerly Health Protection Team (HPT)) do encourage their use during outbreaks or suspected outbreaks.<br><br>We do not have any physical outbreak boxes remaining, however, you can download all the materials below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-pb-accordion-item c-accordion__item js-accordion-item no-js\" data-initially-open=\"false\" data-click-to-close=\"true\" data-auto-close=\"true\" data-scroll=\"true\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\"><h2 id=\"at-71722\" class=\"c-accordion__title js-accordion-controller\" role=\"button\">Downloadable materials<\/h2><div id=\"ac-71722\" class=\"c-accordion__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-light-accent-grey-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Care Homes Outbreak Box consists of a <a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/06\/Label-for-Care-Homes-Outbreak-Box-1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">label for the box<\/a>and the materials below: a red folder (gastrointestinal infection), a blue folder (respiratory infection) and additional information, such as, posters for outbreaks and hand hygiene<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 id=\"update-for-winter-2026-2027\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Update for Winter 2026\/2027<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All information has been reviewed and where required updated for this 2026\/2027 \/Winter season. Please also see the <a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2026\/10\/CH-PCR-letter-2026.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Care Home Managers Letter <\/a>for information on PCR swabs for this year; this was posted out, along with 10 PCR swabs and specimen bags on 1st September 2026 <br><br>**Please note** All items below will open in a new window<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-light-accent-green-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"red-folder\">Red Folder<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">Gastrointestinal Infection<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"887\" src=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/10\/Gastrointestinal-1-1024x887.png\" alt=\"Gastrointestinal\" class=\"has-border-color has-accent-colour-border-color wp-image-12932\" style=\"border-width:5px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/10\/Gastrointestinal-1-1024x887.png 1024w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/10\/Gastrointestinal-1-300x260.png 300w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/10\/Gastrointestinal-1-768x665.png 768w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/10\/Gastrointestinal-1.png 1288w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2026\/01\/Norovirus-Sampling-Poster-1-2.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Norovirus Specimen Collection Guidance<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/06\/3.-Bristol-Stool-Chart.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bristol Stool Chart<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nipcm.hps.scot.nhs.uk\/media\/2699\/2026-10-21-ch-ipcm-resource-for-gi-illness-v40_.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Care Home IPC Guidance for Gastrointestinal Infection V4.0 21st October 2026<\/a> &#8211; includes checklists<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nipcm.hps.scot.nhs.uk\/resources\/norovirus-key-steps-to-help-stop-the-spread-of-infection-poster\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Norovirus &#8211; key steps to help stop the spread of infection (poster)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2026\/10\/tbps_contact_editable-boxes-v10.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Contact Precautions (ARHAI)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2026\/10\/TBP-Contact-Precautions-Zone.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Contact Precautions (NHS Lothian)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2026\/10\/2026-08-03-appendix-15-mask-selection-v10.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Appendix 15 -Face Mask Selection<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-light-accent-green-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"blue-folder\">Blue Folder<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">Respiratory Infection<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/10\/Respiratory.png\" alt=\"Gastrointestinal\" class=\"has-border-color has-accent-colour-border-color\" style=\"border-width:5px;width:171px;height:auto\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-standard-black-color has-text-color\"><a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/10\/Care-Homes-PCR-flowchart-2025-When-to-test.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PCR Flow Chart &#8211; When to carry out a PCR test with Care Home Residents<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/10\/PCR-Order-Form-v1-to-be-sent-with-sample.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PCR Order Form &#8211; To be completed and sent with samples<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nipcm.hps.scot.nhs.uk\/media\/2698\/2026-10-21-ch-ipcm-resource-for-resp-illness-v60.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Care Home IPC Guidance for Respiratory Infection V6.0 21st October 2026<\/a> &#8211; includes checklists<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nipcm.hps.scot.nhs.uk\/resources\/respiratory-infections-key-steps-to-stop-the-spread-poster\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"592\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Respiratory infections &#8211; key steps to stop the spread (poster)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2026\/10\/tbps_air_editable-boxesv10.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Airborne Precautions (ARHAI)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2026\/10\/TBP-R1-Air-Precautions-Zone.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Airborne Precautions (NHS Lothian)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2026\/10\/2026-08-28-respiratory-symptom-screening-questions-v20.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Respiratory Symptoms Screening Questionnaire<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-light-accent-green-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"additional-information\">Additional Information<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1002\" src=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/10\/Additional-Information-1024x1002.png\" alt=\"Additional Information\" class=\"has-border-color has-accent-colour-border-color wp-image-12960\" style=\"border-width:5px;width:199px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/10\/Additional-Information-1024x1002.png 1024w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/10\/Additional-Information-300x294.png 300w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/10\/Additional-Information-768x751.png 768w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/10\/Additional-Information-1165x1140.png 1165w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/10\/Additional-Information.png 1393w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/06\/2.-WHO-4-Moments-of-Hand-Hygiene-Poster.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">WHO 4 Moments of Hand Hygiene Poster<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/10\/How-to-hand-Wash.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Hand Wash &#8211; Step by Step Poster<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/10\/How-to-hand-Rub.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Hand Rub &#8211; Step by Step Poster<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/06\/4.-Outbreak-in-Progress-Door-Sign-Poster.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Outbreak in Progress Door Sign Poster<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2026\/10\/CH-visitors.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Visitors Poster<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2026\/10\/coughs-sneezes.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Coughs and Sneezes<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2026\/10\/Glove-Use-Selection.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Glove Use Selection Guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2026\/10\/Putting-on-removing-PPE.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Putting On &amp; removing PPE<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-pb-accordion-item c-accordion__item js-accordion-item no-js\" data-initially-open=\"false\" data-click-to-close=\"true\" data-auto-close=\"true\" data-scroll=\"true\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\"><h2 id=\"at-71723\" class=\"c-accordion__title js-accordion-controller\" role=\"button\">Useful Links and Resources<\/h2><div id=\"ac-71723\" class=\"c-accordion__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-light-accent-grey-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"useful-links-HPT\">Useful Links and Resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/vaccination-information-on-power-of-attorney\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vaccination \u2013 Information on Power of Attorney<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/health-protection\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">East Region Health Protection Service \u2013 Formerly Health Protection Team (HPT)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/infection-prevention-and-control\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Infection Prevention and Control Care Home Team (IPCT)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhsinform.scot\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NHS Inform Homepage<\/a> &#8211;  if you need more general information<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nss.nhs.scot\/departments\/antimicrobial-resistance-and-healthcare-associated-infection-scotland\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection Scotland (ARHAI)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">Updated October 2026 AP and HS<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Outbreak Information, Guidance and Education This page provides information and guidance to help prepare for, and support people, with common infections which can be linked to outbreaks. You will find information on prevention, testing and control of infection, including, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections and scabies. You will also find details of the Care Home Outbreak<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":47,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/mainmenuvertical.php","meta":{"_gspb_post_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"class_list":["post-7172","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"rttpg_featured_image_url":null,"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"hazelstewart","author_link":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/author\/hazelstewart\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":false,"rttpg_excerpt":"Outbreak Information, Guidance and Education This page provides information and guidance to help prepare for, and support people, with common infections which can be linked to outbreaks. You will find information on prevention, testing and control of infection, including, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections and scabies. You will also find details of the Care Home Outbreak","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7172","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/47"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7172"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7172\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15130,"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7172\/revisions\/15130"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7172"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/carehomes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7172"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}