How (zipped and password protected) and where did you send it (virus@avast.com) ?
Over 4000 emails a day are received at that email address per day, I find that samples sent from the avast chest are actioned quicker as they are filtered from the other 4000+ emails.
So add add the file to the User Files (File, Add) section of the avast chest and send it from there (select the file, right click, email to Alwil Software). No need to zip and PW protect when the sample is sent from chest.