Heroes with Herpes.
This Week’s Brave New Girls Podcast Guest: Alexandra Harbushka on getting healthy with herpes.
If you’re interested in how to live an empowered, healthy life, even with a chronic condition like the herpes virus, listen to this week’s Brave New Girls podcast guest. Alexandra Harbushka, founder of Life with Herpes, has made it her mission to break the stigma and remove the shame around this common, yet deeply misunderstood, condition.
According to the World Health Organization, over 846 million people aged 15–49 are living with herpes infections. That’s more than 1 in 5 globally. And yet, many continue to live in silence, carrying the emotional weight of diagnosis alone. Alexandra is here to change that.
Diagnosed in her late twenties, Alexandra was devastated- not only by the diagnosis itself, but by the lack of accessible, human-centred support. What she found were cold, clinical websites full of sterile facts. What she needed was a safe space where real people could share their experiences, find accurate information, and feel emotionally supported.
So, she created it.
Her platform Life with Herpes now serves thousands around the world. At its heart is the Secret Society- an online community where people meet regularly via Zoom to share their stories, support one another, and move from shame to strength. Members from every continent show up to be seen, heard, and held. Alexandra’s work proves that with the right support, people can, and do, live full, vibrant, healthy, love-filled lives with herpes.
One of Alexandra’s most powerful messages is this: herpes is not a punishment or a life sentence. It’s a turning point. A wake-up call. For many, it becomes the catalyst to healthier relationships, stronger boundaries, and deeper self-care. She invites us to reframe the diagnosis as an opportunity to pause, take stock, and begin again with intention.
So how do you start living empowered with herpes- or support someone who is? Here are ten actionable steps inspired by Alexandra’s journey and platform:
Brave New Girl- How to Be Fearless.
10 Actionable Steps for a better future.
Get Informed – Knowledge is power. Learn what HSV-1 and HSV-2 are, how they’re transmitted, and what your options are.
Join a Community – Whether it's Alexandra’s Secret Society or a trusted support network, don't go through it alone.
Take Care of Your Immune System – Outbreaks often correlate with stress or a weakened immune response. Prioritize rest, nutrition, and stress management.
Use Natural Supports – Supplements like L-lysine can reduce outbreak frequency.
Own the Conversation – When disclosing to a new partner, do it with confidence and care. Alexandra models how communication builds trust, not shame.
Release Shame, Reclaim Joy – Your diagnosis doesn’t define you. Forgiveness of yourself and others, is a powerful step toward freedom.
Customize Your Self-Care – What triggers you may not trigger someone else. Learn your patterns and create a personalized care plan.
Practice Gratitude – Even in the hardest times, gratitude can shift perspective and soften emotional pain.
Focus on Your Whole Health – Physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing all matter. Herpes can be the start of a broader healing journey.
Be the Hero in Your Story – As Alexandra says, courage isn’t about having no fear- it’s about choosing not to let fear run your life.
Herpes may be incurable, but shame is a neceassary condition. With support, knowledge, and courage, it’s entirely possible to thrive and be healthy.
PS. Listen HERE to ALEXANDRA'S journey on BRAVE NEW GIRLS podcast to hear how she helps us create well beings on a well planet.
