In reply
We agree with Mr Hak and his colleagues that the ability to diagnose influenza on the basis of clinical signs and symptoms has become important, especially in light of the reported ability of neuraminidase inhibitors to shorten influenza duration and to prevent complications.1 However, we disagree with the conclusion that our study is of little value to practicing physicians in making critical decisions on treatment, that cannot wait for the results of definitive virologic assays.