The additional pressure on the Kingdom’s wards comes as figures published by Public Health Scotland (PHS) show a 63 per cent increase in laboratory-confirmed cases.
Across all age groups in Scotland, the number of flu-related cases rose from the previous week’s total of 1,696 to 2,752.
Janette Keenan, NHS Fife’s director of nursing, said the impact is being experienced on their wards.
“We have seen a sharp rise in flu-related admissions in recent weeks, which has increased pressure on our already busy hospitals,” she said.
“Flu has a significant impact on our services each winter, resulting in an increase in the number of people needing inpatient care and higher rates of staff absence.
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“It can often also lead to us having to temporarily restrict admissions to wards when the virus is brought into our hospitals inadvertently by visitors or staff.
“It is really important, therefore, particularly when flu is circulating as widely as it is currently, that anyone experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms postpones visiting family or other loved ones in hospital until they are well again.
“This helps protect the vulnerable patients in our hospitals and the staff working hard to care for them.”
Public Health Scotland say GP consultation rates for influenza-like illness are at the highest rate observed since the 2017/18 winter season.
Hospital admissions have risen by 65 per cent from 705 last week to 1,163 in the latest report.
Dr Nicholas Phin, director of Public Health Science at PHS, said: “Although we always expect to see increases in flu in winter, currently we are seeing particularly high levels of the virus circulating.
“This is a concern, as flu can lead to severe illness, hospitalisation and even death, particularly among vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, young children and those with underlying health conditions.
“Vaccination is one of the best tools we have in protecting against serious illness from flu.
“If you’re eligible for a flu, or COVID-19 vaccine, it’s not too late to take up the offer and get protected. Please check with your local health board for details on how to arrange this.
“During this time of increased socialising, we urge everyone to take preventive measures to reduce flu, and other respiratory infections, being spread to others.
“If you have symptoms of flu or have a fever, you should stay at home and avoid contact with other people, especially people in hospital or those who are vulnerable to severe infections.
“We can all help prevent infections, like flu, from spreading by maintaining proper hand and respiratory hygiene.
“This includes covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, disposing of tissues responsibly, and promptly washing your hands afterwards.
“A&E services are exceptionally busy, so we encourage everyone to think carefully before attending if you have flu-like symptoms.
“Your local A&E is for emergencies, such as a suspected heart attack or stroke, severe breathing difficulties or severe bleeding.
“If your condition it is not life threatening, you should visit nhsinform.scot first to get trusted advice quickly. For further support, call your GP or NHS 24 on 111.”