You might be onto something there, Nate.

But...

http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/antivirals/influenza/default.htm
There has been a lot of recent concern about "bird flu" which can refer to a number of influenza viruses that occur in birds and could become causes of human disease in some situations. Some of the current influenza antiviral drugs are able to inhibit many of the "bird flu" viruses in the laboratory although it is not known exactly how much effect they would have against these infections in people.

The following links lead to information such as trade names, package inserts, and other material related to the four antiviral drugs currently approved by FDA to treat acute, uncomplicated influenza. Two related drugs, amantadine (approved 1966; Trade Name Symmetrel, also available as generic Amantadine Hydrochloride) and rimantadine (approved 1993; Trade Name Flumadine, also available as generic Rimantadine Hydrochloride), are approved for treatment and prevention of influenza A. Two newer drugs, zanamivir (approved 1999; Trade Name Relenza; no approved generics) and oseltamivir phosphate (approved 1999; Trade Name Tamiflu; no approved generics), are approved for treatment of acute uncomplicated illness due to influenza A and B. Oseltamivir has been approved also for preventive use, while zanamivir is approved only for treatment. Approved ages, doses, and uses in children are different for each drug, so the individual package inserts should be checked for this information. The anti-influenza antiviral drugs are not a substitute for vaccine and are used only as an adjunct to vaccine in the control of influenza.

The antiviral drug information addresses side effects or adverse events that might be associated with each drug. Because some side effects can be serious and because viruses may become resistant when antiviral drugs are used indiscriminately, decisions on the use of these drugs should be based on individual evaluations of risk and benefit. FDA encourages reporting of serious adverse events (associated with these or any other drugs) to the MedWatch program to facilitate continued updating of risk/benefit information.


And this from Hoffman LaRoche...http://www.tamiflu.com/consumer_48hoursurgency.asp
Coming down with the flu? The countdown is on!

If you or your loved ones are showing signs of the flu, call your doctor or pediatrician immediately. Why is it urgent to act quickly? Because the antiviral medications that can stop the flu episode need to be prescribed and treatment begun within 48 hours of the first symptoms.

The antiviral medication TAMIFLU was prescribed more often than any other during last year’s flu season. It is indicated for the treatment of influenza in patients aged 1 year and older who have had symptoms for no more than 2 days.

TAMIFLU attacks the influenza virus and stops it from spreading inside your body. TAMIFLU treats flu at its source by attacking the virus that causes the flu, rather than simply masking symptoms.

TAMIFLU is also indicated for the prevention of influenza in adults and adolescents aged 13 years and older.

Call your doctor now. Ask if TAMIFLU is right for you for the treatment or prevention of flu.

Also, official US gov website http://www.pandemicflu.gov/