Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are infections that affect normal breathing and may affect the upper respiratory tract, lower respiratory tract, or both. They include COVID-19, influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other viral respiratory infections.

Respiratory infections can spread rapidly within residential care settings because people live in close proximity, share communal facilities and may require close personal care. Some residents may also be at increased risk of serious illness, complications, hospital admission or death from respiratory infections because of their age, underlying health conditions or weakened immune system.

This policy will support you to demonstrate that you recognise the importance of preventing respiratory infections wherever reasonably practicable, identifying infections and outbreaks promptly, responding proportionately when infections occur, and ensuring that residents continue to receive safe, person-centred care.

Published 7th September 2026