Not quite. Tamiflu works by exposing us to a genetic marker found in almost every form of flu. Our immune system learns the genetic marker, and kills everything with it. Neither Spanish Influenza, nor this Avian flu that's so horrible, have that marker. This is why both of them are so deadly: our immunology has never seen anything like them, so we have to start from scratch. Other flu viral strains: we're highly resistant to, because we've been learning their weaknesses since the womb. (yes, womb, we start our immunities by copying our mother's). And look how much harm even a standard flu can deal.Originally Posted by Shoden
But, Spanish and Avian flu, we don't have any preperation. It's the immunological equivilant to a total war begun with surprise and superior numbers. By the time we start fighting back, we're too weak to be effective.
And, if anything, using Tamiflu to block these virii is dangerous. Even if one of these influenza strains manages to become epidemic, there's always a chance that they'll be choked out by another virus that we CAN beat. If the tamiflu innoculations are there, it makes it harder for competing flu strains that might outperform the Avian strain.
