It has been suggested that it is unwise to employ neuraminidase inhibitors in order to diminish the risk of influenza-related complications in cases of infection with the new influenza A(H1N1). However, the major argument, i.e. that the beneficial effects shown in the published evidence may be due to age differences between treatment and placebo groups, can easily be refuted. The Netherlands' policy to limit treatment to those patient groups who are considered at high risk of influenza complications is a sound one. In addition, it is endorsed by recent guidelines of the WHO and CDC.