The emotional moments surrounding the loss of a loved one are often filled with sorrow, reflection, and an overwhelming need for closure. For many, this includes kissing their deceased relatives during their final farewell. However, a recent video from Dr. Viktor Ivanovik, a doctor from Moldova, has caused widespread discussion and debate on social media regarding the potential health risks associated with this tradition.

Dr. Ivanovik, who has nearly 300,000 followers on TikTok, has been using his platform to share educational content about health, medicine, and death rituals. In one of his most viral videos, he addressed the sensitive topic of kissing deceased loved ones, shedding light on the hidden dangers of this common yet overlooked practice.

Why Kissing the Deceased Can Be Risky

Many people believe that kissing a deceased loved one is a natural way to say goodbye, but Dr. Ivanovik points out that this act may carry unexpected risks. Once a person dies, the body starts to undergo decomposition, a process that begins sooner than many realize.

Dr. Ivanovik explains that around nine hours after death, the body starts to break down, and bacteria from decomposing tissues begin to surface. This bacterial presence can pose health risks to those who come into close contact with the deceased, especially through kissing.

The Decomposition Process: What Happens After Death

The body’s decomposition process is a natural biological reaction, but it can be harmful to the living. Here’s a breakdown of what occurs:

1. Bacterial Growth: After death, the immune system stops functioning, allowing bacteria to thrive unchecked. These bacteria, which are naturally present in the body during life, can multiply quickly once the body begins to decompose.
2. Loss of Sensory Function: According to Dr. Ivanovik, one of the primary risks associated with kissing the deceased is loss of smell. As the body decomposes, exposure to these bacteria can lead to sensory impairments, such as the loss of smell and taste. This is because certain bacteria release gases that can damage these senses when inhaled or ingested in high concentrations.
3. Potential Infections: In some cases, contact with a decomposing body may expose individuals to infections caused by bacteria or other microorganisms. Although the risks are relatively low for healthy individuals, those with compromised immune systems may face a higher chance of infection.

A Tradition of Farewell: The Emotional Complexity

For many, kissing a deceased loved one—whether on the forehead, hand, or cheek—is an emotionally significant part of saying goodbye. It’s an intimate moment of closure, one last connection before letting go. This tradition is deeply embedded in various cultures and grieving rituals.

However, Dr. Ivanovik’s video has raised important questions about balancing these emotional needs with potential health risks. While his advice to avoid kissing the deceased is grounded in medical evidence, it challenges the emotional and cultural practices that many hold dear.

Some of the responses to Dr. Ivanovik’s video have been deeply personal. One TikTok user wrote, “I kissed my father and would do it a million times over! I can lose taste and smell, he is my father!” Another shared, “Honestly, I don’t think anyone can resist not kissing their parent on the hand or forehead one last time. I kissed my father’s hand for the last time.”

These reactions highlight the emotional difficulty in reconciling Dr. Ivanovik’s advice with the deep emotional connection many people feel when saying their final goodbyes.

Health Risks vs. Emotional Needs: Where’s the Balance?

Dr. Ivanovik’s video opens up an important discussion about the tension between health concerns and emotional traditions. On one hand, people want to honor their loved ones in the way they feel is most meaningful, but on the other hand, there are real health risks associated with the practice of kissing the deceased.

The risks, while small, still exist. Dr. Ivanovik urges viewers to understand that kissing a deceased loved one could expose them to bacteria that their immune system may struggle to handle, especially during the vulnerable period of grief. His message is simple: be mindful of health, even in the most emotionally charged moments.

The Impact of Social Media on Health Awareness

Dr. Ivanovik’s TikTok video is a testament to the growing influence of social media platforms in spreading health information. With nearly 300,000 followers, Dr. Ivanovik has used his platform to educate people about medical topics that are often overlooked or misunderstood.

The viral nature of his video on this particular topic has not only sparked discussions about the risks of kissing the deceased but has also highlighted the power of digital health communication. Through platforms like TikTok, doctors like Dr. Ivanovik are able to reach millions of people and provide educational content in a way that is easily accessible and shareable.

What Should You Do Instead? Alternative Ways to Say Goodbye

If the health risks of kissing the deceased have you reconsidering this traditional farewell, there are other ways to express your love and respect during a final goodbye:

• Hold their hand: Physical contact can still be comforting without the risks associated with close facial contact.
• Write a letter: Express your feelings in a personal letter, placing it near your loved one or keeping it as a keepsake.
• Verbal farewell: Speak to your loved one, sharing your thoughts and memories out loud, allowing yourself to process your emotions in a meaningful way.

Conclusion: A Call for Caution and Compassion

Dr. Viktor Ivanovik’s viral video has opened the door to an important conversation about health risks associated with traditional mourning practices. While the desire to kiss a deceased loved one is rooted in emotional connection and closure, it’s essential to balance this with an awareness of the potential dangers.

The discussion sparked by this video demonstrates how emotions, cultural practices, and health considerations often collide in ways that can be difficult to navigate. Dr. Ivanovik’s advice may be difficult for some to follow, but it provides a crucial reminder to take care of ourselves, even in moments of deep grief.

In the end, mourning rituals are personal and deeply significant, and it’s up to individuals to decide how best to say goodbye while staying mindful of the health risks involved.