ATLANTA — Health officials said swine flu cases appear to be declining throughout most of the U.S., but the specter of Thanksgiving gatherings makes it hard to predict what will happen next.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said today reports of swine flu illnesses were widespread in 43 states last week, down from 46 the week before.

CDC officials also said reports have been increasing in a few states, including Maine and Hawaii. They say it's hard to know whether the epidemic has peaked or not, and many people will be gathering — and spreading germs — next week at Thanksgiving.