New World Press has published the first book about influenza A/H1N1 in China.

Since the flu strain first surfaced in Mexico in April, it has caused public anxiety and worsened the global economic slowdown. With more than 20,000 confirmed cases worldwide and 125 deaths, A/H1N1 will remain a focus of the international community and the general public for some time. In order to protect themselves, people need to learn about the situation and have thorough knowledge of A/H1N1.

"When the Flu Strikes," which was planned by the China International Publishing Group, includes exclusive interviews with several ppersons from abroad. It systematically lists important information from home and abroad since the A/H1N1 outbreak. Information came from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Mexico, the Latin America branch of Xinhua News Agency, the chief correspondent of China Radio International in Mexico and the Latin America branch of China Today.

The book mainly concerns four people's real experiences. Through their eyes, readers can see what has happened since the outbreak began, including the most recent information on hard-hit countries such as Mexico; how these countries reacted to the initial outbreak and its subsequent spread; people's real lives in these countries; and exclusive details about the China Southern Airlines charter flight that retrieved Chinese nationals from Mexico and their accommodations during their medical observation period at home. All this is portrayed in real and vivid scenes that express the fear, tension, persistence and affection experienced by the people involved.

The book includes hundreds of high-definition pictures and numerous accounts by reporters and netizens written with strong authenticity and readability.

At the same time, it gathers suggestions from several internal medical experts, including how to prevent and control the flu at home and work. Readers can get authoritative information from the book.

Written with a broad vision, the book reviews the world economy, human health and the environment under the flu's influence. Comments from experts show the book's depth.

The book successfully records the outbreak's history with authenticity, readability and practicality. It not only satisfies the masses, but also provides excellent articles for special groups to review the prevention and control of the A/H1N1 flu virus.

(Beijing Review, June 12, 2009)