Steady influx of case reports. Updates on vaccination status. Events cancelled. Schools closing by the hundreds.

The sky isn't falling just yet, but if you're in the selling panic business with the H1 N1 virus, you are rolling in it about now.

University Hospitals Case Medical Center's Dr. Jeff Janata, a behavioral and health psychology specialist, said that global hysteria and panic are unfortunately gaining momentum as a result of the spreading virus but noted that he is concerned with the public's response to the information that has been in the news.

"We need to exercise caution but know that there is no need to panic. The idea is to strike a balance of precaution but not to overreact. Assuming the worst-case scenario means that people are also assuming that their worst fears are already reality, and that can have dire consequences."

Dr. Janata said that actions such as arbitrarily closing schools and stopping events are irresponsible and subsequently advance the paranoia. "Closing schools, stopping events...we are now functioning with a liability mentality. Even if there is no reason to believe that preventative action is necessary, we are still foregoing reason in favor assumed risk."

***We also have emergency/pediatric specialists in addition to infectious disease clinicians that can discuss myriad of aspects associated with the evolving H1 N1 virus story.***