Harrison Ford Diagnosed With Shingles, Steps Down As 2025 Oscars Presenter

Hollywood legend Harrison Ford will no longer be presenting at the 2025 Academy Awards after being diagnosed with shingles. The 82-year-old actor was set to take the stage alongside stars like Gal Gadot, Zoe Saldana, and Andrew Garfield but had to withdraw due to health concerns.

According to media reports, Ford fell ill on February 29 and is now focusing on his recovery. While his representatives have not released an official statement, reports indicate that he is “doing OK” despite the setback.

Just days before his diagnosis, Ford appeared at the 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, where he shared a fun moment on stage with Shrinking co-star Jessica Williams. The two engaged in a playful skit, with Williams jokingly calling out Ford for eating at the wrong time.

What Is Shingles?

Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is responsible for chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in nerve tissues and can reactivate later in life as shingles.

According to Dr William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University, “Shingles is more common in older adults because the immune system weakens with age, allowing the virus to resurface.”

Causes and Symptoms of Shingles

The primary cause of shingles is the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. Factors that increase the risk include:

• Ageing (especially over 50)
• Weakened immune system (due to stress, illness, or medical treatments)
• Certain medications (such as steroids or chemotherapy)

Shingles typically begin with tingling, burning, or itching in one area of the body, followed by a painful rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters. Other symptoms include:

• Fever and chills
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Sensitivity to touch

Dr Anne Louise Oaklander, a neurologist at Harvard Medical School, notes, “Shingles pain can be severe and, in some cases, lead to long-term nerve damage known as postherpetic neuralgia.”

Preventive Measures and Treatment

The best way to prevent shingles is through vaccination. The Shingrix vaccine is over 90 per cent effective in preventing shingles and is recommended for adults over 50. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises getting the two-dose vaccine even if you have had shingles before.

Other preventive steps include:

• Managing stress levels
• Maintaining a strong immune system through a healthy diet and exercise
• Avoiding contact with people who have active chickenpox or shingles

For those diagnosed with shingles, early treatment with antiviral medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir can reduce the severity and duration of the illness. Pain relievers and soothing lotions can also help manage discomfort.

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