A final kiss can offer emotional closure, but may carry health risks.

Dr. Viktor Ivanovik, a Moldovan doctor with over 300,000 TikTok followers, warned against kissing the deceased, especially if they died from an infectious illness, as bacteria may remain active post-mortem.

His advice sparked mixed reactions—some praised his health focus, while others felt it disrespected tradition.

Physical contact during mourning is common globally, but during outbreaks like COVID-19, even low-risk contact is discouraged. While infection risk is generally low when death is non-infectious, diseases like tuberculosis, hepatitis B/C, and severe bacterial infections warrant caution.

In uncertain cases, consult a doctor or funeral professional. Safe alternatives to physical farewells include placing flowers, lighting candles, writing letters, or creating home tributes. Ultimately, honoring loved ones with love and thoughtful choices is what truly matters.