Being Sick

I'm often affected by some malady (sore throat, allergies, back pain) but I go into denial and keep chugging along.  Yesterday I had a fever and some diarrhea and had to call a halt to my scheduled activities.  My wife and kids don't handle it well.  They seem to take it for granted that I will just continue doing things as I usually do.  Is it the father role in general?  Do other father's get this kind of reaction?