Immunology in Austria

Immunology is the branch of medical and biological sciences that focuses on the immune system, which is the system involved in defending the body from infection. Medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and managing health conditions that affect the immune system are called immunologists. Some of the immune-related conditions that immunologists may help diagnose and treat are as follows:

• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Allergic rhinitis
• Anaphylaxis
• Autoimmune disorders
• Autoinflammatory syndromes
• Asthma
• Atopic dermatitis
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• CREST syndrome
• Eosinophilic esophagitis
• Primary immunodeficiency diseases
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sarcoidosis
• Scleroderma
• Sjogren's syndrome
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Urticaria.

In some cases, immunologists also provide support for the diagnosis and management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), other systemic/severe infections, tuberculosis, and multiple sclerosis. 

A wide range of tests and procedures are performed by immunologists to identify and treat immune conditions, including:

• Patch tests to identify specific substances that cause allergic skin reactions.
• Antibody tests to measure the levels of antibodies present in the blood. This test is performed to diagnose allergies and immunodeficiency conditions.
• Skin prick test to detect specific immediate allergies to food and environmental triggers.
• T cell tests to evaluate a person’s T cell activity, which is specialized immune cells in the blood.

Treatment for immune diseases usually involves the administration of medications, such as steroids or other immunosuppressant medications, and general surgery or transplantation, such as stem cell transplantation. 

How Long Should I Stay in Austria?

Tests and treatments conducted by immunologists are largely outpatient-based, meaning you do not need to stay in the hospital after your appointment. However, you may need to stay in Austria for a few days for follow-up checkups, usually to discuss the results of the test or to see how you are responding to treatments.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

In most cases, no recovery time is needed after the appointment with your immunologist. However, depending on your condition and the symptoms you are experiencing, your immunologist may advise you to rest and take some time off work until you do not experience any symptoms that interfere with your ability to perform your daily activities.

What Aftercare is Required?

Since treatments and management of immune diseases typically involve medications, it is important that you take the medications as prescribed by your immunologist. You will likely be given a set of instructions, which may include diet and activity restrictions. It is important that you follow all of the instructions to prevent complications. You may also need to attend regular checkups, but you can choose to have them with your local doctor instead of your immunologist in Austria if you prefer. In some cases, supportive treatments, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and podiatry may be recommended.

What's the Success Rate?

Immunology research is constantly being conducted to increase the understanding of how the immune systems work and to develop better ways of diagnosing and treating immunological conditions. While there is currently no cure for many immune diseases, such as allergy and autoimmune disease, treatments are proven to be highly successful and safe to control the disease and manage the symptoms. 

Are there Alternatives?

In most cases, you need to see an immunologist for immune-disease. However, depending on the type of disease you have, you may be able to see other specialists or your immunologist may refer you to the relevant specialist. For example, if you have rheumatoid arthritis, you may be referred to a rheumatologist.

Immunology in and around Austria

Austria is a mountainous landlocked country in south-central Europe. Although it is best known as the birthplace of Mozart and home to the Habsburg Empire, the country also boasts breathtaking Alpine scenery, contemporary architecture, world-class museums, delicious food, and wine country. Austria is also known to have one of the best healthcare systems in the world, making it a popular destination for international medical tourists. Many people, particularly from other European countries and Asia, come to Austria to receive medical care in one of its many internationally acclaimed medical centers, two of which are accredited by JCI. These medical centers feature cutting-edge technology and first-class facilities.

Popular Parts of Austria

Austria’s capital city, Vienna, is rich with remarkable Habsburg sights, such as Schönbrunn Palace and Lipizzaner stallions. It is also home to the Mozart Museum, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Naschmarkt, and Bulverde Palace where visitors can see an incredible art collection with works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir. Salzburg is another popular city in the country. This city is frequented by fans of Mozart and the “Sound of Music.” It also boasts beautiful Baroque churches, a dramatic castle, and a stunning old town full of winding lanes. Other popular parts of Austria include Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut, and Tirol.  

Weather and Climate in Austria

June to August is summer in Austria with warm days and cool nights and an average temperature of around 18 - 19°C. Summer mornings are usually sunny, but thunderstorms can sometimes break out in the afternoon. Winter in Austria, from November to March, can be very cold as the temperatures plummet to an average of -1 to 5°C. Spring and autumn are generally nice and incredibly beautiful.

Getting around in Austria

There are 6 international airports in Austria, but the main airport where most tourists arrive at is Vienna International Airport. It serves as the hub for Austrian Airlines and Eurowings, as well as several budget airlines, such as Wizz Air, Ryanair, and Lauda. This airport connects Austria with many cities in other European countries, North America, Africa, and Asia. Getting around Austria is fairly easy since it's public transport system is fast, efficient, and reaches even remote regions. Internal flights are available, but given the size of the country, it is rarely necessary. The country’s national railway system (ÖBB) is integrated with the Postbus services. Cheaper bust options, such as the Flexibus, are available as well. Inside major cities, an extensive system of light rail, metro, bus, and tramway services are available. Taxis are reliable and relatively affordable.

Tourist Visas in Austria

Since Austria is a part of the Schengen Area, nationals of EU/EEA do not need a visa to enter the country regardless of the purpose of their travel. Citizens of about 62 countries are exempt from a visa to travel to Austria, including the US, Canada, Australia, and South Korea. Unless you are a citizen of these 62 countries, you will need a visa to visit Austria.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: Austria uses the Euro (€) as its official currency. €1 converts to approximately US$1.17.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs (called Bankomats) are easy to find across Austria, especially in major cities and towns. Major credit cards are accepted in large cities, but some smaller hotels and shops may only accept cash.
3. Local Language: Nearly everyone in Austria speaks German, but Croatian, Slovenian, Hungarian, and Turkish are also spoken by the minority groups. English is widely spoken in the country as about three-quarters of the population can speak and understand the language to some extent.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Freedom of religion is protected by the constitution. Around 64% of the population identifies as Roman Catholic. Other religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Sikhism, are freely practiced as well. 
5. Public holidays: New Year’s Day, Epiphany, Easter, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, National Day, and Christmas Day are some of the most important holidays in Austria.