Final answer:
HBV is much hardier than HIV because it has a longer survival outside the body, remaining infective for up to seven days on surfaces, leading to a higher risk of transmission.
Step-by-step explanation:
HBV is considered much hardier than HIV primarily because it has a longer survival outside the body. HBV can remain infective on surfaces for up to seven days, which contributes significantly to its transmission in healthcare settings and other environments.
Preventive measures to reduce transmission include using gloves, face protection, proper needle disposal, and rigorous cleaning protocols with recommended solutions such as 10% bleach to disinfect surfaces.
HBV also poses a high risk of becoming a chronic condition, especially in infants, with approximately 90% of infected infants becoming chronic carriers. In contrast, 6-10% of infected adults become chronic carriers. Vaccination against HBV is an effective preventative measure, particularly for healthcare workers and individuals with increased risk factors.