If you live in Chicago, seeing Allison Rosati on your screen at 5, 6, and 10 p.m. is basically as certain as the wind off Lake Michigan. For over three decades, she’s been the face of NBC 5. So, when she suddenly vanishes from the anchor desk, people notice. Fast.
Rumors start flying. Is she retiring? Did something happen? Honestly, the search for "Allison Rosati illness" usually spikes the second she takes even a week off. But the truth isn't some dark mystery—it’s actually a series of very human health hurdles that she’s been incredibly open about. From major surgery to a "brutal" virus that sidelined her recently, Rosati hasn't just faced these issues; she’s used them to warn her audience.
The Shingles Scare That Sidelined Her
The most recent health event that had viewers worried happened in early 2025. Allison disappeared from the air for several weeks, leaving her co-anchor Stefan Holt to hold down the fort. When she finally returned in April 2025, she didn’t just jump back into the news—she became the news.
She revealed she had been battling shingles.
If you’ve never had it, you might think it’s just a little rash. Rosati made it very clear: "Shingles is no joke." She described the experience as "brutal" and admitted she had been procrastinating on getting her vaccine. "I kept putting off getting a shingles shot thinking, 'Oh, next time I go to Walgreens, I’ll get it done,'" she shared on social media. "Well, now I have shingles! I really wish I would’ve gotten the shot."
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It was a classic "it won't happen to me" moment that turned into a weeks-long struggle. She used her platform to urge anyone over 50 (or those with weakened immune systems) to stop waiting and get the Shingrix vaccine. This wasn't just small talk; the CDC actually notes that the risk of serious complications, like postherpetic neuralgia (lingering nerve pain), increases significantly as we age.
The 2020 Leg Injury and Surgery
Before the shingles episode, there was the 2020 surgery. This one was a bit different because it happened right in the middle of the global pandemic. In late summer of 2020, Rosati had to step away for about two months to undergo and recover from surgery related to a leg injury.
The timing sucked.
Because of COVID-19 protocols at the time, her recovery was extra cautious. News anchors were already rotating between the studio and their living rooms to keep crews safe. When she finally returned in October 2020—the same time Stefan Holt rejoined the station—she looked relieved to be back. That two-month absence was one of the longest of her career, and it really solidified her "tough as nails" reputation among Chicago viewers.
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Why We Care So Much
It’s kinda fascinating how attached we get to local news anchors. Allison Rosati has been at WMAQ since 1990. She’s covered everything from the Chicago Bulls' 90s dynasty to the most harrowing local tragedies. When a person is in your living room every night for 35 years, they feel like family.
Her health is a topic of conversation because she represents stability. When she’s gone, it feels like something is "off" in the city's routine.
Staying Healthy After 60
As of 2026, Allison is 62 years old and recently celebrated her 35th anniversary at NBC Chicago. She’s been very transparent about the physical toll of the job. Reporting the "grittiest parts of the city," as some profiles put it, takes a mental and physical toll.
How does she keep going? She’s mentioned a few things over the years:
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- Morning Meditation: She’s big on prayer and quiet time before the chaos of the newsroom starts.
- The "God Moments": She often attributes her resilience to her faith, which helps her navigate the stress of a high-pressure career.
- Practical Prevention: After the shingles debacle, she’s become a vocal advocate for preventative healthcare and vaccinations.
What to Watch For
If you’re looking for the latest on Allison’s health, the best place is actually her own social media or the 6 p.m. broadcast. She’s not the type to hide behind a PR statement; if she’s sick, she usually tells her "Chicago family" exactly what’s going on.
Right now, she seems to be back in full swing, but her story is a reminder that even the most "unstoppable" people have to hit the pause button sometimes.
Takeaways for Your Own Health
If you're following Allison Rosati's health journey, there are a few practical things to keep in mind for yourself or your parents:
- Don't wait on the Shingles vax: If you're 50 or older, the Shingrix vaccine is a two-dose series that's over 90% effective. Don't be like Allison and wait until you're already in pain.
- Listen to your body: Both her 2020 surgery and her 2025 illness required her to step away. Pushing through isn't always the "brave" thing; sometimes, resting is the only way to ensure you can come back.
- Preventative care matters: Regular check-ups are the reason most "sudden" illnesses are caught before they become emergencies.
Keep an eye on the NBC 5 evening broadcasts for any official updates, but for now, she is healthy, on-air, and still the "Queen of Chicago News."