How long can the hepatitis B virus survive outside the body?
Jan 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the survival time of the hepatitis B virus outside the body is affected by temperature. In high-temperature environments, such as at 100°C, the virus may survive for about 10 minutes, while at 60°C it can survive for approximately 10 hours. In contrast, in low-temperature environments (e.g., 37°C), the virus can survive for about 7 days, and in a -20°C environment, it may survive for up to 15 years.
Generally speaking, the term "hepatitis B virus" refers specifically to the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The survival time of HBV outside the body mainly depends on the specific temperature. Typically, in high-temperature environments, the survival time is shorter, ranging from 10 minutes to 10 hours. In contrast, in low-temperature environments, the virus can survive longer, from 7 days up to approximately 15 years. The survival duration should be determined based on the specific temperature conditions, with detailed analysis as follows:
In high-temperature environments, the hepatitis B virus has a relatively short survival time. For example, at 100°C, the virus may only survive for about 10 minutes, while at 60°C, it may survive for approximately 10 hours.
However, in low-temperature environments, HBV can survive much longer. At 37°C, the virus may survive for about 7 days, while at -20°C, the hepatitis B virus can remain viable for around 15 years, or even longer.
It should be noted that the hepatitis B virus is infectious; therefore, appropriate preventive measures should be taken in daily life to reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, maintaining a regular作息 pattern and balancing work and rest are important aspects of daily health management.
