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5 things travelers need to know about the mu COVID-19 variant
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As Americans grapple with the surge of COVID-19 cases thanks to the delta variant, a new variant is becoming of interest to scientists. Last month, the World Health Organization (WHO) listed "mu" as a "variant of interest" due to potential concerns it might be resistant to vaccines and treatments.
This comes as delta was solidified as the world's dominant strain and breakthrough cases in vaccinated adults increased. But WHO also stated it needs more evidence before determining a risk level. Even Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Joe Biden's chief medical adviser, said, "We don't consider it an immediate threat right now."
Of course, any new variant is something to be taken seriously. So, TPG spoke with Robert G. Lahita MD, Ph.D. ("Dr. Bob"), director of the Institute for Autoimmune and Rheumatic Disease at Saint Joseph Health and author of "Immunity Strong," about what travelers should know about mu.
What are the biggest concerns with the mu variant?
Dr. Bob: In a test tube, mu is one of the 33,000 RNA variations in the spike protein that may make it resistant to immunoglobulin [antibodies]. These mutations up-regulate and down-regulate the viral replication. So if the virus down-regulates via a mutation, it dies, it goes away. If it up-regulates -- what the mu has just done -- it becomes possibly more virulent. We simply don't know right now in the real world of patients what mu does.
Where is it currently circulating?
Dr. Bob: The new variant is present in South America, [countries] like Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. It's seen down there in about 39% of patients in Colombia and about 18% or 19% in Peru and Ecuador. It is not widely seen around the world. Only 0.1% of the world's population has the mu variant. The new variant has been seen in the United States, however, very sparsely.
How is it different from delta or other strains? Is it more contagious?
Dr. Bob: We know that it's not as contagious as the delta [variant]. But, there are so few cases, we simply don't know much else. I don't think it's time to sound the alarms because there's no evidence that mu is any more effective than the delta variant. The delta variant still remains the king of the heap.
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How do vaccines hold up against the mu variant?
Dr. Bob: Again, in a test tube, it seems the mu variant might be somewhat resistant to standard immunoglobulins [anitbodies]. However, I'm told by everybody else that that may not be important because it looks like the Moderna, the Pfizer and the J&J vaccines protect against such variants as the mu.
How can I protect myself against the mu variant when traveling?
Dr. Bob: It goes back to the basics. Wash hands, wipe down surfaces and wear a mask. I would also recommend goggles around unmasked strangers [on] a plane, train or other crowded locations. The good news is these measures work amazingly.
Featured image by Getty Images
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
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Best for dining at restaurants
TPG Editor‘s Rating
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.