Novel coronavirus infections are self-limiting, and most patients usually recover spontaneously with isolation and rest and regular symptomatic management if they do not suffer from serious complications. However, if patients develop uncontrollable complications during this period, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock, uncorrectable metabolic acidosis and coagulopathy, they are likely to become life-threatening. Therefore, the most important control measures for novel coronavirus infection are early detection, early diagnosis, early isolation and timely treatment to avoid serious complications and save patients’ lives as much as possible.