Patients with novel coronavirus pneumonia may present with symptoms of a dry, itchy throat and cough, but the diagnosis of the disease cannot be confirmed based on these symptoms. Because these symptoms are not specific, they are not diagnostic and do not differ significantly from the symptoms of sore throat and cough caused by other viral or bacterial infections. Currently, the diagnosis of novel coronavirus pneumonia in fever clinics around China is made by combining various factors, including epidemiological history, clinical manifestations, chest imaging and routine blood tests. The diagnosis is confirmed when the patient meets the criteria of a suspected infected person and a positive pathogenic test result is performed. Patients who are diagnosed must be isolated and treated in designated hospitals to avoid cross-infection or further aggravation of the disease.