A Moldovan doctor has recently captured widespread attention on social media for a video that combines medical advice with cultural sensitivity, discussing a topic that few people openly address:

the potential health risks of kissing deceased loved ones during farewells. The video, posted by Dr. Viktor Ivanovik on TikTok, has gone viral.

Drawing hundreds of thousands of views and sparking passionate discussions about the intersection of tradition, grief, and health safety. With nearly 300,000 followers on the platform, Dr. Ivanovik has become known for creating short, accessible videos that address practical health concerns in everyday life.

In his most recent post, he warned viewers with a concise yet emphatic message: “Never kiss the deceased!” The video immediately caught attention because it tackles a subject that is rarely discussed openly, especially in the context of traditional mourning practices.

Understanding the Medical Perspective

Dr. Ivanovik’s warning is rooted in biological and microbiological principles that explain why post-mortem contact carries potential health risks.

He explains that approximately nine hours after death, the human body begins to undergo rigor mortis and decomposition processes, during which bacteria naturally present in the body can multiply and release harmful toxins.

While many people may associate decomposition with only the visual or olfactory signs — the changes in appearance and odor that occur after death — the underlying bacterial activity is far more significant.

These bacteria, often anaerobic in nature, can pose health risks when transmitted through close contact such as kissing or licking.

In some cases, exposure to these bacteria may lead to infections or, according to Dr. Ivanovik, a potential temporary or permanent loss of smell (anosmia).

He emphasizes that while the risk may not be immediately life-threatening for healthy adults, the vulnerability of the immune system varies, and even minor exposure to post-mortem bacteria could trigger unexpected health complications.

A Cultural and Emotional Context

While the scientific perspective is clear, Dr. Ivanovik acknowledges the emotional and cultural complexities surrounding the act of kissing a deceased loved one.

In many cultures, it is a final act of respect, love, or closure, performed as part of funerary rituals or last goodbyes. From Europe to Asia to the Americas, these practices are deeply embedded in social and familial traditions.

For many individuals, the act is not merely symbolic but profoundly emotional. Dr. Ivanovik’s video carefully navigates this sensitive terrain, recognizing that advising against a ritual can be difficult when it is intertwined with centuries of cultural customs and personal grief.

In response to his video, viewers shared a range of emotional perspectives. One commenter wrote, “I kissed my father and would do it a million times over! I can lose taste and smell, he is my father!” This response highlights the tension between emotional needs and medical caution — a dilemma that is especially acute in moments of mourning.

Viral Reactions and Public Discussion

The TikTok post quickly went viral, with thousands of shares and comments reflecting a variety of reactions. Some viewers expressed shock or newfound awareness about the potential bacterial risks, particularly those who had previously considered kissing the deceased to be entirely safe.

Others emphasized the importance of personal choice and emotional closure, noting that the comfort of saying goodbye can outweigh potential health risks in the minds of many mourners.

Medical professionals and cultural commentators alike weighed in, praising Dr. Ivanovik for sparking a nuanced conversation.

On platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, healthcare experts discussed ways to safely honor loved ones while minimizing exposure to pathogens.

Suggestions included wearing protective gloves, using a tissue or cloth as a barrier, or limiting physical contact altogether.

The conversation has extended beyond individual health, touching on broader societal considerations. Funeral directors, hospice workers, and grief counselors have noted that many families are not aware of the microbiological realities of post-mortem contact, particularly in private home settings where professional guidance may be limited.

Scientific Explanation: How Decomposition Creates Risk

Dr. Ivanovik’s video also provides a chance to explore the science behind his warning. Human bodies are hosts to a wide variety of microorganisms — bacteria, fungi, and other microbes — that are generally harmless or even beneficial during life. However, upon death, the immune system ceases functioning, allowing bacteria to grow unchecked.

Early Decomposition (0–24 hours): Within the first few hours after death, enzymatic processes and bacterial activity begin. The skin and mucous membranes may still appear intact, but bacteria start proliferating internally.

Odor and Gas Formation (6–12 hours): As bacteria break down tissues, gases are released, sometimes causing bloating, odor, and fluid accumulation. These bacteria can also be aerosolized if the body is disturbed.

Microbial Hazards: Certain bacteria, such as Clostridium perfringens or Staphylococcus aureus, can cause infections if they enter the mucous membranes of a living person. While fatalities are rare from brief exposure, minor infections, nausea, and irritation can occur.

Dr. Ivanovik emphasizes that these processes begin surprisingly quickly. While nine hours is an approximate figure, the exact timing depends on factors like temperature, humidity, and the environment in which the body is kept.

Balancing Tradition and Safety

The controversy sparked by Dr. Ivanovik’s video illustrates the broader challenge of reconciling medical advice with cultural practices.

In many societies, physical contact with the deceased is seen as a necessary step in processing grief. In some regions, family members wash, kiss, or dress the deceased as part of ritual observances.

Healthcare professionals caution that there is no one-size-fits-all rule. Instead, families are encouraged to balance respect, emotional closure, and health safety.

Protective measures — such as masks, gloves, or minimizing direct contact — can help preserve traditions while mitigating bacterial risk.

In addition, the conversation highlights an educational gap. Most people are unaware of post-mortem bacterial activity and its potential effects.

Videos like Dr. Ivanovik’s help fill that gap, sparking awareness without condemning deeply personal rituals.

Ethical Considerations and Grief Counseling

Dr. Ivanovik’s viral video also raises questions about ethical communication in medicine and social media. Advising people not to engage in a culturally significant ritual requires sensitivity.

He carefully frames his advice as a caution rather than a mandate, understanding that grief is intensely personal.

Grief counselors emphasize that closure rituals, including kissing, hugging, or speaking to the deceased, play an important role in mental health. In these discussions, safety can be prioritized without negating emotional expression. For example:

Limit exposure to the body’s fluids directly.

Use protective barriers for ritual contact.

Encourage other forms of farewell, such as prayers, memories, or symbolic gestures.

This approach reflects trauma-informed care, which recognizes the psychological importance of rituals while introducing practical safety measures.

Social Media as a Platform for Medical Education

Dr. Ivanovik’s success on TikTok demonstrates how social media can bridge the gap between professional knowledge and public awareness.

In less than a minute, a short video can reach hundreds of thousands of viewers, sparking conversations that extend far beyond the platform.

The combination of visual content, concise messaging, and a viral medium has made TikTok an unlikely but effective venue for public health education.

While some viewers may find the message shocking or controversial, the platform ensures that awareness spreads rapidly, potentially preventing exposure to harmful bacteria.

In addition to cautionary advice, videos like Dr. Ivanovik’s encourage critical thinking and informed decision-making, allowing viewers to weigh health risks against emotional needs and cultural practices.

A Broader Conversation About Health and Mourning

The video’s popularity reflects a growing trend: the blending of science communication with cultural commentary. Medical professionals are increasingly using platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram to address topics that were once taboo, from mental health to infectious disease risk to post-mortem hygiene.

The discussion about kissing the deceased opens a larger dialogue about:

Cultural sensitivity in medical guidance: How can health warnings respect deeply ingrained traditions?

Emotional health and grief processing: How do individuals balance closure with personal safety?

Public understanding of microbiology: How can everyday practices be informed by knowledge of bacteria and disease prevention?

Experts suggest that awareness campaigns, educational videos, and professional guidance can empower families to make informed choices without feeling that their traditions are being attacked or dismissed.

Practical Takeaways From Dr. Ivanovik’s Message

Dr. Ivanovik’s video, while brief, carries actionable insights for anyone navigating the emotional landscape of losing a loved one:

Understand bacterial risk: Post-mortem bacteria can multiply quickly, potentially causing mild to moderate health effects.

Use protective measures: Gloves, masks, or a thin cloth barrier can reduce exposure.

Seek alternative farewell rituals: Spoken words, symbolic gestures, or prayers can provide closure without direct physical contact.

Educate others: Sharing information with family members helps everyone make safe and informed decisions.

Respect emotional needs: Practical safety measures do not negate the emotional importance of saying goodbye.

Conclusion

Dr. Viktor Ivanovik’s viral TikTok video has sparked more than just curiosity — it has ignited a conversation about the intersection of health, grief, and culture.

By combining clear medical facts with sensitivity to emotional and cultural contexts, the video encourages viewers to reflect critically on traditional practices while considering safety.

Whether one chooses to follow the advice literally or adapts it with protective measures, the key takeaway is the importance of awareness, preparation, and informed decision-making.

In moments of grief and loss, people often act instinctively, but understanding the biological realities of post-mortem bacterial growth empowers individuals to honor loved ones safely.

The discussion surrounding this viral video exemplifies how modern social media can be used responsibly for public health education, bridging gaps between medical knowledge, cultural tradition, and emotional needs.

In a world where rituals and customs vary widely, Dr. Ivanovik’s message underscores a timeless principle: love and respect for family can coexist with health-conscious decisions.