Health Services Acting Director General Dr. Sarath Amunugama has said that the government is currently not in the possession of influenza virus vaccines.

He said however, that hospitals are equipped to treat patients and have been informed to set aside a section of the hospital for patients suffering with the influenza.

Meanwhile, Karapitiya Hospital GMOA head Dr. Janith Liyanage said the influenza is in danger of becoming an epidemic, if not properly controlled.

He said that the flu that has particularly hit the Southern province could spread to other provinces too.

The doctor accused the government of being ‘strangely silent’ even as the numbers of those affected by the flu increase.

Both the doctors advised to the public to wear masks and take other necessary precautions to avoid contracting the flu.