Dr Barlow said more people presented to the Emergency Department during winter.
"It's common to see numbers increase over winter, it doesn't just affect us, it affects general practitioners, emergency centres; if we're struggling for capacity, then other centres will be as well.
"We just want people to be sensible this winter: Take your medication if you're on any, especially if you have asthma which can always worsen during the winter months. Don't go to work if you're sick. Coughing and spluttering all over people is just going to spread it around."
Dr Barlow said a large number of children and elderly passed through the hospital during winter.
"In kids we notice things like asthma and bronchiolitis, so a lot of respiratory tract and viral respiratory infections, they're certainly more common among the younger age group. The elderly as well, as they have multiple conditions or comorbidities so if they get flu or chest infection it could turn into pneumonia or they need oxygen or hospital treatment."
Children, Women and Communities service paediatrician and medical director Dr Philip Moore said despite children having a strong immune system, it was vitally important they stayed healthy during winter.
"Children's immune systems are fully operational from about their 1st birthday. Before then they are more vulnerable to common viral infections.
"Lots of fresh fruit and veges will help children's immune systems function well and eliminate any need for vitamin supplements or immune boosters."
The DHB is also asking elderly patients to keep healthy over winter. Geriatrician Dr Lucy Fergus said it was equally important for the elderly to have a flu vaccination.
"Older people are much more vulnerable to common winter illnesses, as age can impact on the immune system, and they pick up colds, pneumonia, flu and gastroenteritis more easily. It's very important not to wait before getting medical advice or help," she said.
"If an older person becomes unwell and stops eating and drinking, they may need to stop taking some usual medications temporarily - for example blood pressure medications and diuretics, as these can make people dehydrated when they are unwell."
GPs and medical practitioners are encouraging members of the public to make use of the after-hours practices. Communications manager Anna Kirk said useful information could be found on the DHB website.
"There's plenty of information about our medical after-hours on there. There's a range of GPs that are open after hours. City Medical in Napier is open 24/7, in Hastings they stay open until 9pm" she said.
"If you're getting sick and it's getting worse, you should probably get medical care before it worsens rather than wait, because then you might end up in the hospital."
