From what scientists are saying (who are doing the genetic testing of this virus) there a are a couple important points.
First. This is a new virus.
Second. It has 86.9% of its genetic markers in common with Sars found in bats.
The mutation is a 1 time mutation (again, this is brand new, no earlier than October 2019) and is now spreading through human to human contact.
From doctors:
This virus is attacking the lungs of patients - which is why the most affected (i.e. those dying from the illness) group is the elderly and the very young.
Unlike bacterial infections in viral lung infections all you can do is treat the symptoms and let the disease run its course - the body doing the job of fighting off the illness. (Again, this is why the elderly or the very young or those with compromised immune systems are the ones dying)
This has a, now known, 14 day incubation period during which there are no symptoms of disease (no fever, coughing, runny nose etc.) but in which the patient can pass on the illness to others...
This makes this disease especially virulent as most flus and viruses are self isolating once a person feels ill - they stop going to work and stay in bed away from others - and where the iillness can only be spread for a day, perhaps two before symptoms begin.
A 14 day "I feel fine" but am spreading a disease, is a serious thing.
In cities where contact with others through public transportation, shopping and work as family contact, the disease has the potential to become widespread.
We are approximately 1 year away from a vaccine.
Handwashing and other means of preventing the spread of any flu will be equally helpful in preventing getting this virus. Any healthy individual has little to worry about, other than getting a flu-like virus but should have no difficulty overcoming the illness. Again, this targets the elderly, the young, and those with compromised immune systems.