Dr. Viktor Ivanovik, a Moldovan physician with a TikTok following of over 300,000, recently ignited widespread debate by advising against kissing deceased loved ones due to potential health risks. While rare, he emphasized that disease transmission from the dead can occur—especially if the person succumbed to an infectious illness such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, or severe bacterial infections. His video drew mixed reactions: some applauded the health-conscious warning, while others criticized it as insensitive to a deeply personal and sacred part of mourning. The topic underscores the tension between public health guidance and time-honored grieving traditions, particularly those involving physical contact like holding hands or kissing the forehead of the deceased.

Historically, such acts provide comfort and closure, yet during health crises—such as the COVID-19 pandemic—experts have advised caution. Medical professionals agree that when death is not caused by an infectious disease, the risk of transmission is minimal. However, when uncertainty exists, families are encouraged to consult healthcare or funeral professionals. For those seeking safer ways to say goodbye, meaningful alternatives include lighting candles, placing flowers, writing farewell letters, or assembling photo tributes. These gestures offer emotional depth without physical risk. Ultimately, Dr. Ivanovik’s message serves as a reminder that grief rituals must balance love and tradition with informed choices. The true significance of a farewell lies not in physical touch, but in the heartfelt intention behind it.