Can genital herpes be transmitted in non-sexual ways? I babysit for a family in which both parents are carriers and I’m concerned that I could contract the disease through everyday contact in their home.

Herpes simplex II, genital herpes, is recurrent, transmissible, and incurable, and is therefore not much fun to contract, so we understand your concern. However, it is difficult to contract this virus in the absence of sexual activity, as it is usually transmitted through genital -to- genital contact. There is some possibility of transmission through mouth- to -genital or mouth - to- mouth contact. The genital herpes virus can live in the mouth, although the oral herpes virus is more commonly found in the mouth. In your situation, you should avoid sharing food and kissing the children you babysit (and their parents!) if you notice any type of lesion or cold sore in or around their mouths. In terms of everyday, casual contact in the home, it is extremely unlikely you will contract herpes, since the virus lives only a short time outside the body, and dies when it is dry.