While allergy sufferers pay the price for a warmer than usual winter, profits will likely bloom for pharmaceutical companies. So stop and smell the roses. This could provide a healthy boost to your portfolio.

It’s only March and pollen counts are setting record highs all over the Southeast. In New York City, trees are blooming several weeks ahead of schedule.

“An early start to the allergy season is always good for the large pharmaceutical companies that manufacture allergy meds,” said Paul Walsh, vice president of weather analytics at the Weather Channel. “This year’s mild winter followed by record spring warmth is manna from heaven for these firms.” (Note: The Weather Channel is owned by NBCUniversal, CNBC's corporate parent.)

So, we’re sniffing out new portfolio strategies in between sneezing and wheezing.

“The early onset of the allergy season could provide a boost to an industry that missed out on a big flu season,” said Argus Research President John Eade.

Eade, who follows big pharma, said the timing of this season could also aid Merck — which is the biggest seller of prescription allergy medicine. That’s because it loses its patent protection on its blockbuster drug Singulair later this year. When Merck does, Eade said Mylan Labs is in line to launch a generic.

SNY News & Analysis

 Amyris slips after firm starts securities lawsuit - 16 May 2013 EDT

 FDA approves labels with lower doses for zolpidem sleep drugs - 14 May 2013 EDT

 A taste for defensives sours prospects for European stocks - 14 May 2013 EDT

 Drug Spending Drops for the First Time in 55 Years - 09 May 2013 EDT

 European shares slip from multi-year highs - 09 May 2013 EDT

 More SNY News