Current observations demonstrated that comparing compared with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is more infectious judged by transmission rate, epidemic scale and lower mortality. Its human-to-human spreading power is similar to influenza virus. Although the animal origin of the 2019-nCoV is still not identified, it should have something in common with SARS-CoV, since both of them are members of coronavirus. If the 2019-nCoV could not persistently exist in the population, like SARS-CoV, the control of wild animal infectious sources should be the top priority. If 2019-nCoV could persistently exist in the population, the vaccination will become a crucial means for prevention and control of the disease.