[simonlebo]

This article argues that the system overestimated the cases (which it did) and therefore did not work. To reproduce the results of traditional systems is not the purpose of systems like GFT. If you look at the graphs you can see that GFT provides an indication of an increase in flu cases before the traditional systems. This is where it has value; it provides an early indication of an emerging problem.

[Fomite]

To reproduce the results of traditional systems is exactly the purpose of Google Flu trends. This is evident when you go back and read the original paper.

The question has always been "Can we match CDC estimates faster and with different information?"

The emerging answer is: "No".