Members of the public who have flu and respiratory symptoms are being asked to stay away from hospitals in the Highlands so as not to spread it on to patients.
Dr Vanda Plecko, consultant microbiologist for NHS Highland, said: “We are asking members of the public to help us in limiting the spread of flu as much as possible by not coming into hospital to visit anyone if they have been ill with flu or cold symptoms.
“Coming in to hospital to visit a family member or friend when you have been ill with symptoms such as those associated with flu could put them, and our other patients, at risk so we would ask that you hold off visiting until you are better.”
NHS Highland said they are seeing a number of patients being admitted to hospital with respiratory condition or flu-like illness.
Flu is a common infectious viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.
Dr Plecko said flu is very infections and can be serious.
It causes a sudden high temperature, headache and general aches and pains, tiredness and a sore throat.
People can also lose their appetite, feel nauseous and have a cough.
Symptoms can usually be managed at home by resting, keeping warm and drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Paracetamol can also be taken to help ease some of the symptoms.