Shortening the time patients with severe cases of H1N1 have to wait for anti-viral drugs has become a priority for federal health officials.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has just issued new guidelines for the use of anti-viral drugs — emphasizing prompt treatment. Anti-virals such as Relenza and Tamiflu are most effective if administered within the first 48 hours of flu symptoms.

The CDC also advises a “watchful waiting” policy for pregnant women, those with chronic health conditions or other risk factors, who have been exposed to others infected with H1N1. Instead of preemptively prescribing anti-viral drugs to these high risk persons, physicians are advised to watch patients (and instruct patients to watch themselves) for the onset of flu symptoms before administering the drugs.

Anne Schuchat, MD, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, said despite the new recommendations, physicians should continue to exercise their own judgment with each patient — realizing that individual cases will vary.

And while anti-virals can be a lifesaver for those with severe cases of H1N1, Schuchat said most of those infected will not require anything stronger than “Mom’s chicken soup” to make a full recovery.