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[High correlation between the different measures suggests that mortality is relatively correctly reported in Sweden]
Benjamin Kalischer Wellander1, Jan Lötvall2
1ST-läkare i internmedicin, Hudiksvalls Sjukhus.
Lakartidningen
|July 23, 2021
Summary
The infection fatality ratio (IFR) for COVID-19 in Sweden appears accurately reported, with estimates aligning across different sources. International IFR is estimated at 0.5-1%, subject to change with vaccination and new variants.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- The infection fatality ratio (IFR) for COVID-19 has been a subject of significant debate.
- Various mortality estimation methods are used, including death certificate data and excess mortality analyses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy of COVID-19 mortality reporting in Sweden.
- To discuss and estimate the international and Swedish IFR for COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of mortality statistics from the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare, the Public Health Agency of Sweden, and EuroMOMO excess mortality data.
- Analysis of death certificate accuracy and all-cause mortality baselines.
Main Results:
- High correlation observed between different mortality measures in Sweden suggests relatively accurate reporting.
- Estimated IFR in the Western world is approximately 0.5-1%.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 mortality appears to be reliably reported in Sweden.
- The IFR is dynamic and influenced by vaccination-induced immunity and the emergence of new virus variants.
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