BHT is a substance that is used as a preservative in small amounts in canned goods. It's also available as a supplement. It had been controversial due to different studies, but one thing I know for sure is that it will disrupt the lipid envelope on any lipid enveloped virus such as influenza, and allow the immune system to kill the virus.

If it's a life and death situation, BHT should be utilized.

Many now use lauric and capric acid or the monoglycerides of them such as lauricidin/monolaurin in the same capacity, but the mechanism of those substances is less well established than BHT.

If there's a flu epidemic, just kill the flu. It's that simple.