Salzburg Leads the Way with Comprehensive Care Plan for Long Covid and ME/CFS
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A groundbreaking new approach to treating post-acute infection syndromes (PAIS), including Long Covid and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), is set to launch in Salzburg, Austria, in early 2026. The initiative marks the first nationwide care concept of its kind, offering a three-stage plan designed to provide targeted and individualized support to the approximately 5,000 individuals affected in the region.
Addressing a Critical Gap in Care
For too long, patients suffering from Long Covid and ME/CFS have faced significant hurdles in accessing accurate diagnoses and effective treatment. As one senior official stated, those affected have “not only had a long journey of suffering behind them, but have often also run the gauntlet until they have received a diagnosis and a form of therapy.” Recognizing this critical gap, Salzburg is establishing a centralized contact point at the Tauernklinikum Zell am See to streamline the diagnostic and care process.
A Three-Stage Approach to Patient Support
The new care model will operate on a three-stage system, ensuring patients receive the appropriate level of support based on the severity of their condition. Family doctors and primary care centers will remain the initial point of contact for individuals experiencing symptoms. For those requiring further investigation, a dedicated contact point at the Tauernklinikum Zell am See will facilitate more detailed diagnostics. In the most severe and chronic cases, specialized care will be provided through a closely networked system of inpatient facilities across Austria.
The head of internal medicine at the Tauern Clinic, René Wenzel, will lead the interdisciplinary contact point. Wenzel emphasized that “ME/CFS is a serious organic disease that leads to massive impairment of the ability to work and quality of life,” underscoring the importance of dedicated resources and expertise. His team will focus on clarifying diagnoses, providing advice, offering support, and accompanying patients throughout their care journey.
Telemedicine and Mobile Support for Accessibility
Recognizing the debilitating nature of these conditions, the plan incorporates telemedicine and the potential for mobile care teams. “Many of those affected simply cannot get out of bed,” highlighting the need for accessible care options. The contact point will be able to refer patients to the specialist areas they require, including general practitioners and acute hospitals within the state.
Funding and Expansion Plans
The project is a collaborative effort between the state of Salzburg and the ÖGK (Austrian Social Security Fund), with a budget of €400,000 allocated for 2026. The Medical Association is also contributing by providing training courses for resident doctors to improve their ability to conduct accurate initial diagnostics.
Looking ahead, officials are considering expanding the program to include a second contact point in the northern districts of Salzburg – Tennengau, Flachgau, and the city of Salzburg – to address the significant travel distance to Zell am See for some patients. The initiative will be continuously evaluated, potentially serving as a model for other regions within Austria, where an estimated 80,000 people are affected by PAIS. This pioneering approach offers a beacon of hope for individuals grappling with the long-term effects of post-acute infection syndromes, promising a future with more accessible, targeted, and effective care.
