Statement by the Hochschüler_innenschaft at the University of Vienna on Long Covid Awareness Month
Long Covid Awareness Month in March is more than a symbolic campaign period—it is a call to action. While life has largely returned to normal for many in the wake of the pandemic, a significant number of people—predominantly young adults—continue to struggle with its long-term consequences. In Austria, an estimated 850,000* individuals have been affected by health complications following an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Around 85,000* people are living with the chronic multisystem disease ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), which can be triggered by coronavirus infection and may result in the need for long-term care.
Our Statement on the Situation for Students:
For students, these conditions can have particularly profound implications. They may substantially hinder academic progress, necessitate extended interruptions of study, and in the most severe cases lead to discontinuation—often with lasting repercussions for both personal and professional futures. Student social surveys conducted over the past six years further reveal that approximately 80% of students* with study-impairing conditions are unaware of the support services available to them at their universities. This also includes students affected by Long Covid and ME/CFS, who may fall within the group of study-relevant disabilities and chronic conditions.
This situation is deeply concerning. Those already facing chronic fatigue, cognitive impairments, or ongoing health uncertainty must be able to rely on universities that promote inclusive and accessible education. TheHochschüler_innenschaft (Austrian Students' Association) at the University of Vienna stands in solidarity with students living with study-impairing conditions and chronic illnesses. We call for clear and transparent information, proactive communication of existing support structures, as well as measures to offset disadvantages. Pursuing higher education must remain possible for students with study-relevant disabilities and chronic conditions—without fear, without stigma, and without unnecessary barriers.
*Data: 1) Holl et al. 2022: Long Covid in Österreich: Häufigkeit und Symptome. Siehe:https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/de/publications/long-covid-in-%C3%B6sterreich-h%C3%A4ufigkeit-und-symptome/; 2) Hoffmann & Untersmayr-Elsenhuber 2025: Aktuelle Zahlengrundlage für spezialisierte ME/CFS-Behandlungsstellen in den Österreichischen Bundesländern. Siehe: https://public-health.meduniwien.ac.at/fileadmin/content/OE/public-health/Primary_Care_Medicine/PDFs/2025_03.19_Aktuelle_Zahlengrundlage_MECFS_Behandlungsstelle_RZ.pdf ; 3) z.B. Zucchaet al.: Studierenden-Sozialerhebung 2023 -Kernbericht, 125; z.B. Unger et al. 2019: Studierenden-Sozialerhebung 2023 -Kernbericht, 318. Alle Berichte öffentlich unter: https://www.sozialerhebung.at/index.php/de/.
Save the date: Demonstration for ME/CFS, Long Covid, and other PAIS – March 15, 2026
March 15 marks Long Covid Awareness Day—and for us, one thing is certain: this cannot continue! No more silence! No more looking away! For many, Long Covid is the beginning of a distressing odyssey through Austria’s healthcare syste, marked by a lack of knowledge, ignorance and medical gaslighting. Those who do not receive timely and appropriate treatment risk developing ME/CFS. Yet despite growing evidence and increasing awareness, political decision-makers and public health institutions such as the Pensionsversicherungsanstalt (PVA) continue to adhere to an approach toward post-acute infection syndromes (PAIS) that can only be described as: ignore, discredit, silence. If you want to see change, join us on March 15 and take to the streets. We are calling for a better healthcare system, adequate medical care, and full recognition for everyone affected by PAIS—whether Long Covid, ME/CFS, or Post-Vac. Even if the causes may differ, the reality remains the same: same struggle, same fight. (Original Text in German by: MUT Initiative)
When? March 15, 2026, 3:00 p.m. (in German)
Where? Austrian Parliament Building, Dr.-Karl-Renner-Ring 3, 1017 Vienna
Who? MUT Initiative on Instagram: @mut_initiative