A Hawke's Bay DHB spokesperson said that up to about a fortnight ago the region appeared to have escaped the usual peak winter demands, but it had become "really busy" and some elective surgery had to be postponed.
Clinical medical officer of primary medical care and Taradale GP Mark Peterson said Sunday demand had also been high at City Medical when he worked at the weekend.
He highlighted the alternatives available, and said he believed sometimes people "don't fully understand the capabilities of primary care".
Some larger medical practices, including his own base in Taradale, open at weekends, in addition to medical centres such as City Medical and The Doctors.
A Hastings primary school that did not wish to be named said they had noticed a spike in the last couple of weeks.
Havelock North High School principal Greg Fenton shared this sentiment, adding in the last 10 days, there had been a "noticeable increase in the number of stomach bugs and students with cold and flu symptoms".
He said it was "fairly common" at this time of the year.
However, Havelock North Intermediate principal, Julia Beaumont said they hadn't seen any spike. "We have got normal absences that you would expect with a tummy bug."
Hawke's Bay District Health Board chief medical & dental officer, Dr John Gommans, confirmed respiratory illnesses were on the rise.
"With cooler weather we see an increase in respiratory illness like asthma, pneumonia and bronchitis," Gommans said.
"Infections are more easily spread to children and older people who are more susceptible to respiratory illness so we really want to encourage people if they are feeling sick to see their doctor before their symptoms get worse.
"Early treatment, particularly in children and older people, can help prevent the need for hospital care."
A list of medical centres and their opening hours is available at www.ourhealthhb.nz.
Healthline is also an option, where 24 hour advice from a trained registered nurse can be found at 0800 611 116.
