Concern over tree pollen at Winter Games

OTTAWA, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- A Canadian medical group expressed concern Tuesday for athletes and spectators about the flu-like symptoms they face from tree pollen during the Winter Games.

The Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology issued a release in Ottawa saying trees such as red alder, birch and oak will be at their peak pollination during the Olympics that start in and around Vancouver, British Columbia, next month.

Combined, some of the pollens can produce symptoms that mimic influenza, the society said. Following last year's international alarm over the H1N1 flu, those suffering from pollen allergies could mistake their symptoms and inundate hospitals, the society warned.

Additionally, athletic performance could be affected, as the International Olympic Committee banned the use of pseudoephedrine, a common ingredient in over-the-counter allergy medications.

The society urged those planning to travel to Vancouver to bring along a supply of allergy medications from home since the supply in British Columbia was likely to be insufficient for the tens of thousands of people expected to visit and work at the Games.