A farewell kiss can feel like a sacred gesture of love and grief. However, Dr. Viktor Ivanovik, a Moldovan physician, recently warned on social media that kissing the deceased—especially those who passed from infectious illnesses—can carry hidden health risks. While the act is deeply personal, in certain cases, expressing love from a distance is the safer choice.
Although rare, it is possible for bacteria or viruses like tuberculosis, hepatitis B or C, and hemorrhagic fevers to remain in the body for a short time after death. Health experts advise caution, particularly when the cause of death involved contagious disease or during outbreaks. Traditions involving physical contact with the deceased may need to be adapted out of care for the living.
When in doubt, professionals recommend consulting healthcare providers or funeral directors. They can suggest safe ways to honor loved ones without risking exposure. Simple gestures—such as placing flowers, lighting candles, or writing notes—offer meaningful ways to say goodbye while keeping everyone safe.
Ultimately, love is not measured by touch but by lasting memory and respect. Honoring someone’s life doesn’t require physical contact; heartfelt remembrance lives on through how we cherish and carry their memory forward.