Matthias Gerschwitz, a German author and marketing freelancer living in Berlin, is HIV positive. The virus was detected in 1994, but likely transmitted in 1992. In 2009, he wrote a book about his life with the virus, which now is available in English, too. The author is one of more than 80,000 HIV infected persons in Germany (as of October 2015) and one of the only a few to go public with his infection. The tone of the book corresponds with his personal way to handle his infected life: pro-actively, openly and with optimism. Since there is antiretroviral treatment, the virus has lost most of its threat. But that is no reason for easing off attention. Beyond the Virus offers an intimate view into the life of a positive man. The book covers the author's very personal circumstances, experiences and insights. Also some general information found its way into Beyond the Virus, thus connecting the personal insight with interesting and relevant knowledge on how HIV is viewed in Germany today. Get more information at beyond-the-virus.com