The Final Kiss: A Risky Goodbye or Overblown Internet Myth?
It seemed like the most human thing to do — a final kiss to say goodbye. But a viral TikTok video has thrown a spotlight on that tender act, stirring discomfort across social media, funeral homes, and even medical communities.
Dr. Viktor Ivanovik, whose stern warning against kissing the deceased has captivated nearly 300,000 followers, claims the gesture could lead to unexpected health consequences.
But is this emotional farewell truly dangerous? Or just another wave of online fearmongering?
The Viral Claim That Sparked a Controversy
In the now widely shared video, Dr. Ivanovik urges viewers to never kiss the dead, warning that harmful bacteria begin to flourish within nine hours after death. He claims that such exposure could cause issues like loss of smell and even infection.
But as his warning gained traction, questions about his credibility began to emerge. A review of medical databases and licensing boards failed to verify Ivanovik’s medical credentials. Without peer-reviewed studies or an established professional background, his video serves more as a cautionary tale about viral misinformation than a legitimate health advisory.
What Do Real Medical Experts Say?
To separate fact from fiction, infectious disease experts weighed in.
“The risk is vastly overstated,” says Dr. Michael Osterholm, a renowned epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota. “Most pathogens cannot survive for long after death, particularly in a human host that’s no longer alive.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) echoes this view. After years of dealing with mass casualty events and disease outbreaks, WHO maintains that dead bodies rarely pose a health threat, unless the deceased had a specific, highly infectious disease.
The International Society for Infectious Diseases also states that living carriers of infections are far more likely to spread illness than the dead. Most bacteria and viruses require a living host to thrive and reproduce, making post-mortem transmission highly unlikely.
The Real — and Rare — Exceptions
That said, some scenarios do warrant caution.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that diseases like:
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)
Ebola and Marburg virus
COVID-19 (in early pandemic stages)
HIV (under cold storage conditions)
…can remain active in a corpse, depending on how the body is stored and handled. In these rare instances, protective protocols are vital, particularly for medical staff and funeral workers.
Additionally, a little-known risk lies not in infection, but in chemical exposure. A documented case in Cleveland involved a woman who developed a severe skin reaction after kissing her embalmed partner. The culprit? High levels of formaldehyde used during preservation — a stark reminder that even chemicals intended to protect can cause unintended harm.
So, Is It Safe to Kiss the Dead?
In most circumstances — especially if the deceased died of natural, non-contagious causes — brief contact poses minimal risk. But experts still advise against it, not because of widespread danger, but because there are safer, equally meaningful alternatives.
Modern funeral directors often recommend:
Placing flowers on the casket
Writing a letter to the deceased
Holding their hand (if permitted)
Participating in cultural or spiritual rituals
These acts allow loved ones to say goodbye without exposing themselves to potential hazards — emotional or physical.
🔹 Final Thought: Love Deserves Truth, Even in Grief
Dr. Ivanovik’s dramatic TikTok may have rattled hearts, but the science tells a more measured story. While extreme caution is warranted in a handful of rare cases, the sweeping warning not to kiss the dead is largely unsubstantiated.
In times of mourning, grief makes us vulnerable — and vulnerable to misinformation. That’s why it’s crucial to turn to evidence-based sources, not social media influencers, for guidance.
Ultimately, a final goodbye should be a balance of emotional connection and informed decision-making. By understanding the true risks — and honoring personal or cultural traditions responsibly — families can part with their loved ones in a way that feels both safe and sacred.