| Katelyn Jetelina, Hannah Totte, MPH, and Matt Willis in Your Local Epidemiologist |
Thanksgiving is here—that magical week of joy, chaos, and family members who can somehow turn small talk into a UN summit.
Here are a few things that might help you survive the holiday: viral updates, food safety tips (yes, bird flu is hitting turkeys), navigating tricky conversations, and a poll for the most important debate of the season: store-bought or homemade cranberry sauce.
We also touch on the opioid settlement, which sends $7 billion to communities, the Department of Education removing public health degrees from “professional” status, and, as always, some great scientific news.
Infectious disease “weather report”
Colds, fevers, and coughs(also known as influenza-like illnesses, or ILI) are just getting started and haven’t reached the epidemic threshold. That’s great news heading into Thanksgiving, as there’s simply less circulating illness than in previous years, which means a lower chance of getting sick and fewer last-minute cancellations at your table.
Covid-19 levels remain very low nationally. I expect activity to pick up soon and peak around January. (continued on Page 2 or here)