Do people in nations with socialized healthcare go to the doctor as soon as they develop a fever, or do they delay and see if it clears up on its own?
I'm sure it's not the case for everyone, but when most people develop flu-like symptoms, they usually end up quarantining themselves for a few days while it resolves. If they can't do that, social etiquette dictates that they avoid physical contact and close proximity, wash their hands regularly, not share food, etc.
I've worked in the US and France so can speak about both. In France I can self-certify that I am sick and quarantine myself at home. I can call a doctor to make a homecall and the pharmacy will deliver my meds on request.
In the US I've had colleagues that were told to go home. Even with overwhelming evidence that they should not be at work they came anyway. Unfortunately, some could not afford to be sick. Rather than take the personal financial hit they caused the entire operation to slow/stop as other workers called in sick.
Unfortunately social etiquette in the US means to show you are productive even with sickness. "See how productive I am, I've got the flu and I'm still doing this presentation!"
For context, the current government in Australia is trying to bring in a minimum doctor visit fee (typically free currently). Their view is people go in too easily for things they should take an aspirin and wait a couple of days for.
I couldnt see any studies for this. The best data I found was a per capita doctor rate where countries with universal health tend (but not absolutly) to have more doctors per capita which 'may' indicate more visits assuming doctors are created by demand (loose I know): http://gamapserver.who.int/gho/interactive_charts/health_wor...
I'm sure it's not the case for everyone, but when most people develop flu-like symptoms, they usually end up quarantining themselves for a few days while it resolves. If they can't do that, social etiquette dictates that they avoid physical contact and close proximity, wash their hands regularly, not share food, etc.