Why do some doctors advise against kissing a deceased loved one? | August 5, 2025

Annonce:

Why do some doctors advise against kissing a deceased loved one?

A final kiss can be a deeply emotional goodbye, but could it also pose a health ri.sk?

Dr. Viktor Ivanovik, a Moldovan physician with a TikTok following of over 300,000, recently went viral after cautioning against kissing deceased loved ones.

In his video, he explained that dangerous bacteria may still be present after death, especially if the person passed from an infectious illness. Though rare, transmission through physical contact is possible.

His warning stirred strong reactions online. Some supported the message for its focus on health, while others felt it disrespected a meaningful tradition.

Balancing Grief with Precaution

Around the world, physical contact with the deceased—like kissing the forehead or holding their hand—is a long-practiced ritual of mourning. It offers a sense of closure and connection during loss.

However, during health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, public health authorities have urged people to refrain from these actions, not out of fear, but to limit the potential spread of disease.

When an outbreak is ongoing, even low-risk activities are handled with extra care.