A 24-hour shelter has opened in central Alberta to house homeless people with the flu.

The temporary centre, run by the Safe Harbour Society, opened on Friday in an empty building owned by the City of Red Deer.

Last week, the society was monitoring six people with flu-like symptoms, some of whom were hospitalized, said executive director Kath Hoffman. By this week, that number had risen to 13.

"We did not have 24-hour shelter and we realize with this flu that that's exactly what's necessary … for people who are not able to go home and rest up," said Hoffman on CBC Radio's Wildrose.

The new centre will help separate the sick from the healthy and also those going through detox at the society's other three shelters, said Hoffman.

Two staff members will monitor people's symptoms and make sure they are eating properly and staying hydrated.

The shelter, located in a building along the riverbank in Red Deer's industrial area, currently has space for 25 people and can expand if necessary.

"We have earmarked a period of about two months, but we'll evaluate and assess that and keep it going if need be," said Hoffman.

For anyone looking to help, she said the society is most in need of pajamas, slippers and track suits in adult sizes.

Since the H1N1 outbreak in April, 20 Albertans have died of the virus, while 480 have been hospitalized.