Doctor Warns Against Kissing the Deceased — Sparks Emotional Debate Online
When we lose someone we love, the grief can be overwhelming. Saying goodbye often includes a final kiss — a gesture of love, respect, and closure. But Dr. Viktor Ivanovik, a physician from Moldova, is urging people to think twice before doing so.
In a now-viral TikTok video, Dr. Ivanovik explains the potential health risks of kissing the deceased, noting that around nine hours after death, decomposition begins, and harmful bacteria surface on the body. These bacteria, he says, may pose serious risks if inhaled or ingested, especially through direct contact like kissing.
“I understand the emotional pull,” he stated, “but people should be aware of the risks — both physical and psychological.”
Many viewers were moved yet divided. One user wrote, “I kissed my father’s hand — and I’d do it again.” Others, however, thanked the doctor for sharing insight they had never considered.
Dr. Ivanovik also pointed out that the strong odors of decomposition can alter one’s sense of smell or taste long after the farewell, compounding the trauma.
As this emotional topic continues to stir debate, one truth remains: saying goodbye is never easy — but safety should still be part of the final embrace.
