Dr. Viktor Ivanovik, a Moldovan physician with nearly 300,000 followers on TikTok, recently shared a cautionary video about the risks of kissing deceased people during farewells. His message quickly attracted attention and sparked wide discussion online.
In the video, Dr. Ivanovik advises: “Never kiss the deceased!” He explains that roughly nine hours after death, the body begins to decompose and releases harmful bacteria. Exposure to these bacteria, especially through kissing, could lead to health issues such as loss of smell.
Many viewers had never considered these risks before. Some shared emotional responses, like one person who said, “I kissed my father and would do it a million times over! Losing taste and smell doesn’t matter—he is my father.”
@viktor.ivanovik
The doctor’s message highlights the delicate balance between respecting cultural traditions and protecting health. People often perform such rituals for closure and respect without realizing possible dangers.
For many, personal comfort and saying a final goodbye outweigh health concerns. This reality creates a broader conversation about cultural sensitivity when discussing customs deeply embedded in grief and mourning.
Dr. Ivanovik’s viral video encourages people to be aware of health risks associated with common practices while honoring how deeply personal and meaningful farewells are. His advice reminds us that even in moments of loss, safety should be a priority alongside respect.
