Will the new coronavirus co-exist with humans for a long time?

Answer Bank: Will the new coronavirus co-exist with humans for a long time?

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is likely to turn into a flu-like chronic illness, co-existing with human beings, says Wang Chen, a respiratory expert and president of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.

Unlike SARS (the severe acute respiratory syndrome) virus, which kills the host very quickly, and then struggles to survive, it's possible the new coronavirus can become seasonal flu, Wang added.

We know very little about the new coronavirus. Some people are infected with the disease, but asymptomatic at the initial period, while some have severe symptoms.