The corona virus has hit hard in Sweden. Since the first Swedish death was reported in March, more than 5,000 people have died with covid-19.

But there are several statistical flashes of light. The number of covid patients who are undergoing intensive care is declining - and the mortality rate of iva has decreased sharply, which SVT News has looked into.

During the spring and summer, we received a number of testimonials from people with covid-19 who have gone through the tough intensive care.

Three of them are:

Anna Kennhed, 50, Eskilstuna:

During the Easter weekend, Anna Kennhed and her husband fell ill in covid-19. For Anna, the situation became serious - and she was sedated.

- Goodbye and not knowing: Will I wake up? Will I survive this?

In total it was 15 days in the respirator. Today she is feeling much better even though she is still physically weak. The support from loved ones and the health care has been invaluable.

- I'm so happy that I live in Sweden. The care has been fantastic.

Hear Anna tell us more about the disease and the way back.

Mehdi Saleki, 65, Malmö:

Already in the ambulance, documentary filmmaker Mehdi Saleki began filming himself. He was nursed for a total of 19 days, including eleven days in the respirator, before it was clear that he would do well.

- During these days I have been on a journey, a journey without limit. There was no white, there was no black, there were no straight lines, he says in one of many testimonies from the hospital bed.

Mehdi Saleki is feeling better day by day, but still has trouble breathing.

Here you can see more of Mehdi's documentation from the hospital.

Alexander Cornelius, 27, Örebro:

From training six days a week to not even having energy for the most mundane tasks - like lifting your two-year-old son.

- If I hold him for a minute, it starts to hurt my joints.

Alexander Cornelius lost nearly 12 pounds when he was numb with a respirator. The road back is demanding, but it is moving forward. He has started training and will start working again next week.

See more of Alexander's way back.