Dunstan Hospital in Central Otago is asking people with influenza symptoms not to visit patients, so the spread of the virus is slowed.
The 24-bed hospital near Alexandra currently has 26 patients, eight with influenza-related illnesses.
Clinical director Rob Visser says extra beds have been added to cater for the influx of people with the virus.
He says those with flu symptoms have to be isolated, which puts strain on the hospital's capacity, but there is room to expand further if necessary.
