Can a final kiss be risky? A farewell kiss can feel sacred—an instinctive act of love and grief. But under certain circumstances, that deeply personal gesture may come with hidden dangers. Dr. Viktor Ivanovik, a Moldovan physician with a strong TikTok following, recently sparked viral debate after warning against kissing the deceased, especially those who died from infectious illnesses. His message was clear: in some cases, love must be expressed at a distance.

Though it’s rare, transmission of certain bacteria or viruses after death is medically possible. Infections such as tuberculosis, hepatitis B or C, and even hemorrhagic fevers can linger in bodily fluids or tissues for a time. That’s why public health officials urge caution—especially during outbreaks or when the cause of death involves contagious disease. Customs that involve touching, kissing, or holding the deceased may need to be rethought, not out of fear, but out of care for the living. Continues…