Doctor’s Warning About Kissing the Deceased Sparks Debate

A TikTok video by Dr. Viktor Ivanovik has gone viral, warning people never to kiss a deceased loved one. In the video, he claims that bacteria begin growing nine hours after death, potentially causing health issues such as loss of smell. The post has racked up nearly 300,000 views, but medical experts and fact-checkers have raised serious questions.

The Viral Claim

In the TikTok, Dr. Ivanovik declares, “Never kiss a dead person!” He cites bacterial growth as a risk and frames it as medical advice. However, searches for his credentials on medical registries and scientific databases yielded no verifiable information. While social media makes it difficult to verify some health advice, the lack of a confirmed professional background raises red flags.

This case underscores the importance of consulting established medical sources and verified research before acting on viral health warnings.

What Major Health Organizations Say

Experts argue that the risk of contracting disease from a deceased body is minimal. Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Minnesota, explains:

“Once someone dies, dangerous germs don’t survive well in the body, so there’s no measurable risk of catching anything from that body.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Society for Infectious Diseases agree. According to WHO disaster response guidelines, dead bodies rarely cause disease outbreaks because most pathogens die quickly after death. Living people with infections pose far greater risks than deceased individuals.

Exceptions Exist

Some conditions do require caution. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that rare diseases like Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), Ebola, Marburg, or COVID-19 may require special handling. Protective equipment and proper protocols are essential in these cases. HIV can remain active in cold-stored bodies for several days, but overall risk depends on cause of death and circumstances.

Chemical Risks

Physical reactions can also result from embalming chemicals rather than infection. A documented case at University Hospitals in Cleveland involved a woman who kissed her boyfriend’s body and later developed a severe skin reaction due to formaldehyde sensitivity.

Recommendations for Families

Experts suggest simple precautions:

• Wear disposable gloves if handling a body

• Wash hands thoroughly afterward

• Follow funeral home guidance

WHO guidance indicates that viewing a body is generally safe, though direct contact warrants care. Individual risk varies depending on cause of death, body preparation, and personal health factors.

Meaningful Alternatives

Families wishing to honor a loved one without direct contact can:

• Place flowers on the body

• Light memorial candles

• Write letters expressing love and memories

These alternatives allow emotional closure while minimizing risk. As one commenter on the viral video said, “I kissed my father and would do it a million times over!” Personal choice, cultural practices, and emotional needs remain central.

Key Takeaway

While the viral TikTok offered an absolute warning, major health organizations recommend a balanced approach. Families should consult verified medical sources and funeral professionals, considering both safety and personal values. Risk varies with the cause of death, body preparation, and individual health. By taking a thoughtful, informed approach, families can safely navigate grief and meaningful goodbyes.