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Every few weeks, we periodically check in on the progression of the flu season, reporting on states that are either a rising threat for illness or ones that could be looming. With infection control such an important factor to reopening facilities and keeping schools open — and learning the best practices for doing so — it's also important to keep tabs on influenza in addition to COVID-19 concerns. 

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. 

According to findings from Week 43 (ending Oct. 30) zero states classified as "Very High" or "High" — on par with our coverage from the opening weeks of October. While 2 jurisdictions —  New Mexico and District of Columbia — fall under the "Moderate" category (compared to only Mississippi in early October), the trend remains positive overall and indicates that states that elevate above the "Low" category are commonly capable of diffusing back down. 

Speaking of low, the remaining 53 jurisdictions fall under the categories of "Low" or "Minimal" indicating positive momentum going into the holiday season. With an uptick in larger gatherings and travel on the horizon, however, facility cleaning managers should prepare for enhanced infection control efforts once occupants return to buildings after Thanksgiving as an uptick in case rates nationwide would come as little surprise. Click here to learn more about how best practices for cleaning and infection control and help prevent this possibility. 

Be sure to check back in for more CDC flu activity updates on a regular basis.