The federal government is releasing some of its emergency stockpile of the influenza-fighting antiviral drug Tamiflu due to a shortage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada announced Tuesday it would immediately release a supply of the medication to ensure it's available to those who need until the manufacturer Roche Canada ships more likely in February, a press release said.

Tamiflu helps with the early treatment of influenza, especially for those at high risk of complications such as the elderly and young children. Though it can be used to help prevent onset of influenza after contact with the illness, it is not a replacement for the annual flu vaccine, the release said.

The Public Health Agency of Canada said it has seen an early spike in flu cases and the severe illnesses caused by the flu than seen in the last two years.