FORT WORTH (January 13, 2013)--The flu outbreak remains widespread in Texas, and residents are still taking precautions and rushing to get flu shots.

Catholic churches in 29 West Texas counties have been told to stop using shared communion cups and teachers in some East Texas schools are cleaning desks, water fountains and doorknobs.

The flu season usually starts in October and peaks from December through February, but this season started earlier, in September.

Dr. Jeffrey Kahn, infectious diseases director at Children's Medical Center in Dallas, said flu is unpredictable and it's unclear how much longer the season will last.

Some hospitals and clinics in Fort Worth and Austin report fewer patients with flu-like symptoms in recent days, but emergency rooms in Dallas, El Paso and elsewhere remain crowded with flu patients.