5 things travelers need to know about the mu COVID-19 variant
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.
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.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.