Why? He's not wrong. They should still exist and they should still be used if necessary, but you should feel somewhat embarrassed about it and be thankful to any co-workers who went out of their way to cover for you.

Edit: Getting knocked on your ass by a one-day sickness is embarrassing regardless of work situation. It happens, but it's still an embarrassing show of weakness. If you disagree, you might want to get your blood-soy levels checked. That might be why you're sick.

Edit 2: You guys aren't getting it. I'm not saying it's some deep shame. It's a minor thing. Like if two people are going through a door in opposite directions and do the stupid little dance where neither can decide if they should go first. It happens to everyone. It's not a big deal. It's still embarrassing because you look like a retard. If you don't feel any embarrassment at all after looking weak or looking like a retard, it's because you're used to being seen that way. No one is saying you should go in and blow snot on everyone. Only that you should feel the slightest bit guilty for inconveniencing others to carry your responsibilities. But maybe I just still remember the slightest bit of a high-trust society.