Mild winter prompts first allergy alert of spring

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Plenty of rain, steady winds and a mild winter have led to Oklahoma's first allergy alerts of spring.<br><br>A high alert was issued Wednesday by the Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma

Thursday, April 1st 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Plenty of rain, steady winds and a mild winter have led to Oklahoma's first allergy alerts of spring.

A high alert was issued Wednesday by the Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma Clinic.

Oklahomans allergic to tree pollen can expect sneezing, sniffing and itchy eyes until about mid-April.

Allergist Doctor Warren Filley says pollen from oak, mulberry, birch and ash trees are high.

In Oklahoma, an estimated one in five people -- some 600,000 people -- has an allergy needing medical intervention or other precautions.

Allergy sufferers are advised to stay inside for at least the next several days, take allergy-fighting medication and to see a doctor if necessary.