Take Virus Seriously, But Don't Panic: Illinois Doctor Speaks Out

AURORA, IL — Dr. Raju Mehta, a Chicago-area critical care physician who has treated one coronavirus patient, offers advice for the public: Take the virus seriously, but don't panic.

"We're seeing our stores flooded with people buying up all the toilet paper and hand sanitizer," said Mehta, who is based at Advocate Health Care in Aurora. "Panic is not going to help us. Be aware and be vigilant."

Mehta is giving the same tips as other health experts: Wash your hands for 20 seconds. Don't touch your face. Stay home if you're sick. Avoid large public gatherings.

He also advises healthy people to refrain from buying face masks. They don't need them. The run on masks, he said, has resulted in shortages, hurting hospitals that need such protection

Meanwhile, coronavirus cases continue to pop up in the Chicago area, Mehta said.

"We don't have a stranglehold on it. We don't know which direction it will go," the doctor said.

The young and healthy should know that while they may do fine battling the virus, they may spread it to those who are more vulnerable, including the elderly.

"We have to care about all of our population," Mehta said.

In his own life, Mehta has been rethinking which places he should go. At this point, he said he would go out to eat, but would question going to an NHL game or a concert.

"People will live their lives and that is OK," the doctor said. "But if you're feeling sick and you do have an illness, take a good look in the mirror."

Some people say health experts are overreacting to the virus. Mehta disagrees.

"You would rather us overreact and be wrong than be stuck in a very difficult position," he said. "If we're wrong and this goes away, that's the best case scenario. We can't afford not to take it seriously."

Coronavirus in Illinois: March 12 Update

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