A recent video shared by Moldovan physician Dr. Viktor Ivanovik has sparked a wide and thoughtful conversation online about health considerations during moments of farewell. With a following of more than one million people on TikTok, Dr. Ivanovik often uses his platform to explain medical topics in simple, accessible terms. In this particular video, he addressed a subject that many people rarely associate with health risks: physical contact with loved ones who have passed away. His message was not meant to shock, but to inform, encouraging viewers to be aware of factors that are often overlooked during times of deep grief.
In the video, Dr. Ivanovik explains that several hours after death, natural biological changes begin to occur in the body. As part of these changes, microorganisms that are normally contained can become more active. According to him, close contact at this stage may carry health risks, including potential effects on the senses, such as smell. His advice, delivered calmly and directly, was intended as a precaution rather than a judgment. By framing the issue from a medical perspective, he aimed to help people make informed decisions while navigating emotionally difficult moments.
The public response to the video has been mixed and deeply personal. Many viewers expressed appreciation for the information, noting that they had never considered possible health implications during such moments of farewell. Others shared heartfelt stories about saying goodbye to parents or close family members, emphasizing that emotional connection outweighed any concern about personal risk. These reactions highlight the powerful role that love, tradition, and culture play in grief. For many families, physical gestures such as holding a hand or offering a final kiss are deeply meaningful acts that provide comfort and closure.
What the discussion ultimately reveals is the complexity of balancing emotional needs with health awareness. Dr. Ivanovik’s video does not attempt to dismiss cultural or personal practices, but instead adds a medical viewpoint to an already sensitive conversation. It also underscores the growing role of social media in sharing health information that might not otherwise reach a broad audience. Platforms like TikTok allow medical professionals to engage directly with the public, opening space for dialogue rather than silence around difficult topics. In the end, the video serves as a reminder that even during moments of sorrow, knowledge can empower individuals to make choices that feel right for both their hearts and their well-being.