Health

Travel in Austria poses no specific or unusual health risks. The tap water is safe to drink—in fact, Austrians are obsessed about water quality, and Austria has some of the purest in the world. The only potential risk worth mentioning is tick-bite encephalitis, which is only a concern if you're planning to do extensive cycling or hiking in the backcountry.

COVID-19

COVID-19 brought all travel to a virtual standstill in 2020, and interruptions to travel have continued into 2021. Although the illness is mild in most people, some experience severe and even life-threatening complications. Once travel started up again, albeit slowly and cautiously, travelers were asked to be particularly careful about hygiene and to avoid any unnecessary travel, especially if they are sick.

Older adults, especially those over 65, have a greater chance of having severe complications from COVID-19. The same is true for people with weaker immune systems or those living with some types of medical conditions, including diabetes, asthma, heart disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, kidney disease, and liver disease. Starting two weeks before a trip, anyone planning to travel should be on the lookout for some of the following symptoms: cough, fever, chills, trouble breathing, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of smell or taste. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should not travel at all.

And to protect yourself during travel, do your best to avoid contact with people showing symptoms. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Limit your time in public places, and, when you are out and about, wear a face mask that covers your nose and mouth. Indeed, a mask may be required in some places, such as on an airplane or in a confined space like a theater, where you share the space with a lot of people. You may wish to bring extra supplies, such as disenfecting wipes, hand sanitizer (12-ounce bottles were allowed in carry-on luggage at this writing), and a first-aid kit with a thermometer.

Given how abruptly travel was curtailed at the onset of COVID-19, it is wise to consider protecting yourself by purchasing a travel insurance policy that will reimburse you for any cancellation costs related to COVID-19. Not all travel insurance policies protect against pandemic-related cancellations, so always read the fine print.

Over-the-Counter Remedies

You must buy over-the-counter remedies in an Apotheke (app-oh-take-uh), and most personnel speak enough English to understand what you need. Try using the generic name for a drug, rather than its brand name. Some of the medications sold over the counter in the USA, because of higher potency, are not available in Austria without a prescription. Natural remedies, including some homeopathic and herbal medicines, are a routine part of the health care system in Austria.

Shots and Medications

No special shots are required before visiting Austria, but if you will be cycling or hiking through the eastern or southeastern parts of the country, get inoculated against encephalitis; it can be carried by ticks.