Why is the coronavirus mutating? Where do all these new strains spring from in the first place — are the drug companies to blame? Actually, the answer is quite simple. A virus evolves just like any other living organism. And when a coronavirus reproduces ("replicates") or copies itself, it can change slightly. If enough of these changes (mutations) occur, a new strain emerges🦠 A similar mutation story was with influenza. Everyone is familiar with its most famous strains — avian and swine. The other issue is that the coronavirus mutates at a MUCH faster rate!