Increasing unemployment, overcrowding and damp, damaged homes could mean a "dreadful winter" for many in Christchurch, a Canterbury District Health Board member says.
Health services in the quake-stricken city are becoming stretched to treat growing numbers of people with influenza and other illnesses.
Health board member Andrew Dickerson told Radio New Zealand's Nine to Noon programme he is very worried about the vulnerable members of the community, such as the elderly and the disabled.
"Particularly in the eastern suburbs where people are living in severely damaged homes, homes that are made damp by the liquefaction, overcrowding conditions with many families now sharing, we're seeing increasing unemployment, a high level of anxiety out there."
Mr Dickerson says when all those factors combine with cold weather vulnerable people, including those in poverty or who have chronic health conditions, face a very difficult situation.
The DHB is considering opening new wards in Princess Margaret hospital, he says.
Listen to Andrew Dickerson on Nine to Noon
Flu risk increases
Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Ramon Pink says the risk of catching 'flu is high due to colder homes and because stressed bodies cannot fight very well against viruses.
Dr Pink says overcrowding in homes and the fact that people are also working in closer quarters increases the risk.
He expects a large number of flu cases in the city this winter, putting pressure on the hospital already struggling with 40 beds unusable due to the quake.
Dr Pink is urging Canterbury residents to get flu vaccinations, which are fully funded for those who are under 18 or over 65, pregnant women and people who have a chronic health condition.