The number of deaths in Sweden with confirmed covid-19 is approaching 6,000. At the same time, Sweden has been experiencing a mortality rate since the beginning of July. But measuring the excess and mortality does not give an overall picture, explains Annasara Carnahan, epidemiologist at the Swedish Public Health Agency.

- That we now see a mortality rate may be due to the fact that many have already died. But mortality does not mean that no one dies in covid-19, she says.

During the spring, Sweden has had an excess mortality, and it has been higher than the number of known corona cases. Between weeks 13 and 26, there are about 600 cases that are seen in the excess mortality, but not in the confirmed cases.

The 600 cases may, for example, be due to corona infections that have died without having been tested for corona.

- But one must remember that excess mortality is produced via a model, nor can we say that it is the whole truth, says Carnahan.

The public health authority mainly looks at people who have laboratory-confirmed corona and who have died, usually within 30 days. It is this figure that the public takes part in during the press conferences.

- It provides a good indicator in the near future. You could also watch it on a weekly basis, but there are very many who want to know what the situation is like day by day, says Carnahan.

Collects cause of death certificate

To get even closer to the truth, the Swedish Public Health Agency also receives statistics on cause of death certificates. The cause of death is determined by the doctor responsible for the patient and collected by the National Board of Health and Welfare. These are not reported at FHM's press meetings.

Benjamin Kalischer Wellander is a doctor in internal medicine and works in inpatient care. He believes that the inpatient care's certificate of cause of death generally has a very high credibility because it is often possible to see if someone has died of corona.

- You see a clinical picture with X-ray changes and respiratory failure, he says to SVT News.

- The assessment is safer the higher the level of care. In nursing homes, the cause of death is more uncertain, but in IVA wards, for example, it is very clear.

It will be a while before we know for sure how many people have died from the coronavirus - at least until the turn of the year.

- Right now there are statistics for covid-19 that are produced quickly, but the National Board of Health and Welfare makes a quality assurance of all statistics, says Annasara Carnahan.