Hollywood fame Harrison Ford, known for his iconic roles in Indiana Jones and Star Wars, was set to be a presenter at the 2025 Academy Awards. However, just days before the event, the actor had to withdraw due to a diagnosis of shingles.
Ford’s spokesperson confirmed the news, and reports from Variety and Entertainment Weekly stated that he fell ill on February 28 and officially stepped down from his Oscar appearance by March 1. He was last seen at the 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards, sharing the stage with Jessica Williams.
While fans are disappointed to not see him at the Oscars, Ford’s diagnosis has sparked conversations about shingles, a painful viral infection that affects millions worldwide. Here’s everything you need to know about shingles, its causes, symptoms, and more.
What is Shingles?
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. The infection primarily causes a painful skin rash, often appearing in a stripe or band-like formation on one side of the body.
According to the Mayo Clinic, shingles can occur anywhere on the body but commonly affect the torso, neck, and face. The rash typically consists of fluid-filled blisters and can cause intense burning, itching, and discomfort.
What are the symptoms of Shingles?
The first sign of shingles is often pain or burning sensations, followed by a rash. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that the rash may appear in different colors depending on skin tone—red, dark pink, brown, or purplish.
Other common symptoms include:
Rash appearing on one side of the body (chest, abdomen, back, or face)
Itchy, fluid-filled blisters that break easily
Burning or tingling sensation
Sensitivity to touch
Fever and chills
Headache and fatigue
Muscle weakness
Causes and risk factors of Shingles
Shingles is triggered when the varicella-zoster virus reactivates in the body. However, not everyone who has had chickenpox will develop shingles. Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of an outbreak, including:
Ageing: Older adults, particularly those over 50, are more susceptible due to a weakened immune system.
Weakened immunity: Conditions like cancer, HIV, or undergoing treatments like chemotherapy can lower immunity and trigger shingles.
Stress: High levels of emotional or physical stress may contribute to the virus reactivating.
Major surgery or illness: Recovery from serious illnesses or surgeries can also be a trigger.
Treatment and prevention of shingles
While there is no cure for shingles, early treatment can help reduce symptoms and prevent complications. Doctors typically prescribe antiviral medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir to speed up recovery. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs may also be recommended to manage discomfort.
For prevention, the CDC strongly advises vaccination, especially for older adults. The Shingrix vaccine, recommended for individuals over 50, has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing shingles and its complications.
