Can hepatitis survive outside the body?

Yes, certain types of hepatitis viruses can survive outside the body for varying periods. Hepatitis B virus (HBV), for example, can remain infectious on surfaces for up to a week, while hepatitis A virus (HAV) can survive for months under favorable conditions. This resilience underscores the importance of proper hygiene and sanitation practices to prevent transmission. However, hepatitis C virus (HCV) is less stable outside the body, typically surviving only a few hours.