Mild winter brings nasty spring for allergy sufferers

Monday, May 1, 2000 | 3:40 a.m.

From the Southwest deserts to the central and southern Rockies, allergy season is moving into high gear after a second consecutive mild winter.

Duane Harris of the Intermountain Allergy and Asthma Clinic in West Valley City, Utah, says pollen from mulberry trees last week measured at above 1200. Anything above 50 is considered extreme.

He says more problems are expected soon from maple, box elder, cedar, walnut, birch, oak, cottonwood and aspen trees, and grass and mold.

Durango allergy specialist Don Cooke says pollen counts in the Four Corners area are the highest in five years. He says that with warm, dry weather and high winds, pollen can travel for several miles.

To alleviate problems, allergy specialists say sufferers should take prescription medications; avoid sleeping with open windows open; and take showers before going to bed to remove pollen.

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