When someone close to us passes away, the instinct to hold their hand one last time or gently touch their face is natural. It’s a final gesture of love and farewell. However, health experts strongly advise against touching a deceased body with bare hands. Though it may seem harmless, there are real medical and biological risks that most people are unaware of.
1. The Bo.dy Doesn’t Di.e Instantly – And Neither Do Germs
After d3ath, a person’s immune system shuts down. This allows bacteria that normally live harmlessly in the gut and skin to begin spreading unchecked. These microbes can start decomposing the bo.dy within hours. Some of them, such as Clostridium perfringens or E. coli, can survive outside the body and pose risks if they come in contact with human skin, especially if you have any cuts or broken skin.
If the person died from an infectious disease, such as hepatitis, tuberculosis, or certain bacterial infections, the pathogens may still be active and transmissible. In fact, some viruses can survive in a corpse for days, especially in cool environments.
2. Risk of Zoonotic and Contagious Diseases
Doctors point out that certain diseases can be transmitted from a dead body to the living, especially during the early stages of decomposition. These include:
- Hepatitis B and C
- HIV (though rare through casual contact)
- Tuberculosis
- Gastrointestinal infections like salmonella
- Meningococcal infections
Though embalming and refrigeration help slow down decomposition, they do not sterilize the body.
3. Your Skin Isn’t Always a Perfect Barrier
CONTINUE READING ON THE NEXT PAGE 🥰💕
