Dr. Viktor Ivanovik, a Moldovan doctor with nearly 300,000 TikTok followers, recently went viral with a cautionary video about kissing deceased loved ones. In the video, Ivanovik warns that kissing the deceased can expose people to harmful bacteria as the body begins to decompose about nine hours after death. This exposure could lead to a loss of smell, he explains.

The video has sparked mixed reactions, with some viewers sharing personal stories, like one who emotionally said, “I kissed my father and would do it a million times over!” Despite health risks, many people still consider such acts a final, personal goodbye, balancing cultural traditions with health concerns.

Ivanovik’s message highlights the importance of being mindful of potential risks while respecting cultural practices. His video encourages a wider conversation on maintaining both health and cultural sensitivity during times of loss.