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On a bi-weekly basis, we report on the progression of the flu season, highlighting states that are a rising threat, ones that could be looming, or ones showing signs of improvement after a rough patch of case rates. With infection control being pivotal to reopening facilities and keeping schools open, it's important to keep tabs on not only COVID-19 activity, but influenza rates as well. Doing so gives facility managers the information they need to craft infection control policies for their particular situation. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which provides updating information with their “Weekly U.S. Influenza Report” rates states on 6-tier scale: Very High, High, Moderate, Low, Minimal, and Insufficient data. After an unsurprising holiday peak in our most recent coverage showing results from Jan 1. (Week 52 of the Flu Season calendar), information collected on Jan. 15 (Week 2) shows considerable a drop off in the majority of formerly high-risk states.

After a whopping nine jurisdictions classified as “Very High” at the beginning of January — North Dakota, New Mexico, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, South Carolina, New York City, and New Jersey — only New Mexico remains in the top tier of activity levels. Several of those aforementioned jurisdictions now settle in at “High” (North Dakota, Georgia, Virginia, indicating a slow but promising trend in the right direction. \

New Jersey and New York in particular have made impressive progress over the month of January, settling in at “Moderate” and “Low” respectively. At the turn of the New Year, New Jersey had the highest levels of flu activity of all 55 jurisdictions. 

Regardless of current regional risk, a proactive approach to infection control works best. The promotion of handwashing, disinfecting high-touch surfaces frequently and correct product selection are all critical components. Click here for more on how cleaning managers can optimize facility infection control efforts.

For ongoing flu season coverage, be sure to check back in over the coming weeks.