The State : Few Ask for AIDS Drug

Officials of a San Francisco hospital where an experimental drug is being distributed to AIDS patients say the lack of applicants shows patients are less hopeful of a quick cure. “We didn’t have nearly the interest we anticipated,” said Gayling Gee, head nurse of the AIDS clinic at San Francisco General Hospital, which will be distributing the drug AZT. “People aren’t rushing toward the latest magic bullet anymore.” Previous AIDS drugs have failed and the death rate continues to climb, making it harder for sufferers to believe they will beat the odds. “The government and the media have too often been too optimistic way too soon, and that has created a lot of disappointment,” said acquired immune deficiency syndrome patient Bobby Reynolds, 40. “I figure, if something on the miracle level should happen, my doctor will call me. Until then I remain skeptical.”