Hav

Hav is a term with several distinct meanings in different contexts. In Scandinavian languages such as Danish and Norwegian, hav means sea. The definite form havet is used for “the sea,” and the word appears in place names, literature, and everyday language reflecting a maritime heritage. In some contexts, hav is also seen in other Nordic languages as a general reference to the sea or ocean.

HAV is an acronym with medical significance for the hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A is caused by HAV, a non-enveloped RNA virus in the family Picornaviridae. Transmission occurs mainly via ingestion of contaminated food or water or through close person-to-person contact. The illness is typically acute, with symptoms such as fever, fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and jaundice; vaccination provides effective protection. Public health measures focus on vaccination for travelers and improved sanitation to prevent outbreaks.

In aviation, HAV is the IATA airport code for José Martí International Airport in Havana, Cuba. This code is used in airline schedules, tickets, and baggage routing, and the airport serves as a major gateway for international and domestic flights to and from Cuba.

Beyond these primary uses, hav may appear in various names and phrases in different languages, often related to geographic or cultural associations with the sea. The principal widely recognized meanings are the Scandinavian word for sea, the hepatitis A virus, and the Havana airport code.