A final kiss is a powerful goodbye—but could it be risky?

Dr. Viktor Ivanovik, a Moldovan doctor with 300,000 TikTok followers, went viral after warning against kissing deceased loved ones. He explained that even after death, harmful bacteria may linger, especially if the person died from an infection. In rare cases, these germs could be passed on through contact.

His video triggered strong reactions. Some agreed, citing safety. Others felt it disrespected a sacred tradition.

Grief vs. Caution: Navigating the Farewell

Across cultures, touching or kissing the deceased is a long-standing tradition. It’s part of how we process grief. A soft kiss on the forehead or holding the hand of a loved one is often seen as a final act of love.

But during outbreaks of infectious disease, such as COVID-19, public health guidelines have advised against such practices—not out of fear, but to prevent potential spread. In these contexts, even a small risk becomes significant.

What Does Science Actually Say?

In most natural circumstances, experts agree the risk of infection from a deceased person is minimal, especially if they died from non-communicable causes. However, there are exceptions: