A Moldovan doctor has gone viral after issuing a surprising warning about a tradition many families hold dear: kissing a loved one after they pass away. Dr. Viktor Ivanovik, who has nearly 300,000 TikTok followers, urged viewers to avoid the practice, stating bluntly, \u201cNever kiss the deceased!\u201d His message quickly spread, catching people off guard and sparking curiosity across social media.<\/p>\n
Dr. Ivanovik explained that several hours after death, the body begins releasing bacteria as decomposition starts. He warned that close contact\u2014particularly kissing\u2014could expose people to harmful microbes and potentially lead to issues like losing their sense of smell. His clinical explanation stood in stark contrast to the deeply emotional rituals many families follow during their final goodbyes.<\/p>\n
The video triggered strong reactions. Many viewers said they had never thought about health risks during a farewell, while others insisted they would still kiss their loved ones regardless of the danger. One commenter wrote, \u201cI kissed my father and would do it a million times over! I can lose taste and smell\u2014he is my father!\u201d The debate revealed how tightly grief, culture, and instinct are intertwined.<\/p>\n