A Moldovan doctor has recently gained widespread attention after posting a striking — and unexpectedly cautionary — video about kissing. But the warning isn’t at all what most people imagined.
Dr. Viktor Ivanovik, who has nearly 300,000 followers on TikTok, used the platform to speak about the health dangers associated with kissing deceased loved ones during final goodbyes.
In the viral clip, Ivanovik issues a blunt warning: **“Never kiss the deceased!”**
He goes on to explain that roughly nine hours after death, the body begins to decompose and releases harmful bacteria. According to him, kissing someone who has passed away could expose a person to these bacteria and potentially even result in a loss of smell.
The message set off an emotional wave of reactions online.
Many viewers said they had never considered the possibility of bacterial risks in such moments. Others responded with personal stories of their own.
One commenter wrote tearfully: *“I kissed my father and would do it a million times over! I can lose taste and smell — he is my father!”*
Dr. Ivanovik’s warning highlights the delicate intersection between long-held cultural traditions and public health advice. For many people, kissing a loved one after death is an act of respect, love, and closure — often done without any awareness of potential dangers.
And for countless others, the emotional comfort of a final, intimate goodbye outweighs any health concern. That tension has fueled a broader conversation about how to discuss such topics thoughtfully, especially when rooted in deep cultural or family practices.
Ivanovik’s TikTok has opened up new dialogue across social media, urging viewers to be mindful of potential risks while also respecting how personal and meaningful these farewell rituals can be.
Through his video, Dr. Ivanovik has called attention to the need for understanding the health implications of certain traditions, reminding people that even during moments of profound grief, health and safety still matter.