In the Netherlands and Belgium employers sometimes offer what is called a “baaldag”. Basically, if you’re having an especially shit day, you can take the day off. No doctors note required.

That’s why I said you could have someone drive you.

And mandatory sick notes are stupid.

Plenty of places you don’t need a sick note for a day off.

I’ve never lived in the US.

Going to the doctor for the common cold is insane. Why waste doctors’ time on something that’ll pass on its own with a bit of rest and paracetamol? Utterly selfish.

Driving to a hospital if you’re not badly injured is also perfectly normal. Once again, why would you call an ambulance that could be helping someone in dire need, if you don’t need to?

Unless the injury is life threatening, drive yourself or have someone drive you. Not insane at all.