Headline writers are spinning away with the news of a dip in H1N1 influenza, or swine flu, outbreaks.

But any suggestion that H1N1 has peaked is premature, CDC officials say. In fact, the CDC has long predicted that H1N1, like most flu strains, will hit our communities in waves. And some of the states coming late to the H1N1 party remain on their first upsurge.

Even in places experiencing a lull, flu infection rates remain higher than usual for this time of year, cautions Anne Schuchat, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. In the best case scenario, vaccination efforts--now in full swing--will blunt any future waves.

What's more, as H1N1 ebbs, seasonal flu could come roaring in, Schuchat says. Now at minimal levels, season flu typically peaks in late December and January.

Of course, there's nothing typical about this year's flu season. With H1N1 infections continuing through the summer, the previous flu season simply merged into the present one.

Of one thing we can be sure: With millions of families getting together for Thanksgiving this week, there's sure to be some viruses exchanged along with the kisses and good food.

To help counter holiday flu spread, the CDC has launched a Traveler Health Campaign.  

It's four-step strategy is pretty basic:

• Travel only if well

• Wash hands often

• Cover coughs and sneezes with tissue or sleeve

• Get vaccinated 

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Related links:

7 Common Myths about Swine Flu

A History of Flu Pandemics 

Swine Flu Survival Guide

Science journalist Jessica Snyder Sachs is the author of Good Germs, Bad Germs: Health and Survival in a Bacterial World. Got a question or comment about swine flu? Post it here. Throughout the flu season, Jessica will be answering your questions on all things influenza.