How long does hepatitis c virus remain alive outside the body?

The hepatitis C virus can live outside the human body — and for quite some time. If blood containing the virus ends up on a surface, the virus can remain viable for up to 3 weeks. This contamination is most likely to occur if blood is spilled or splattered during an accident. read more

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) can remain infectious up to a week outside of your body. The virus is transmitted when blood, semen, or other bodily fluids of an infected person enter your body. This can occur through sex with an infected partner, childbirth, or intravenous drug use. read more

Hepatitis B virus can survive outside the body at least seven days and still be capable of transmitting infection. Recent studies have shown that hepatitis C virus can survive outside the body and still transmit infection for 16 hours, but not longer than four days. read more