Perez missed the Thursday media day to rest after falling sick on Wednesday night.
He then underperformed during the Friday qualifying session for the full grand prix by exceeding track limits through the final two corners to have three lap times deleted for a Q2 exit.
But after finishing second in the sprint race, Perez then climbed from 15th to complete the Red Bull Ring podium on Sunday behind team-mate Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc.
The Mexican was aided by drivers ahead being hit with five-second track limits penalties that were served during their pitstops, but he notably battled past McLaren driver Lando Norris and Ferrari rival Carlos Sainz during the final stint to secure third place.
Perez reckoned his comeback was particularly satisfying given his illness, the effects of which included a lack of strength, sleep and "high fevers".
He said: "I'm really happy. It's been a very difficult weekend for me personally, physically.
"I have been really, really weak. I was sick on Thursday. So, it hasn't been an easy weekend.
"High fevers, no sleep, during the weekend. So, a great recovery from the team, fantastic strategy and we had great pace."
Perez said of the result that ends a run of three GPs without a podium: "It's been a bit of a rough patch for me. So, now, hopefully we are back and we can keep those positions here now."
Source: Autosport