Why was Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's hospital stay kept secret for days?

[putnam6]

It turned out to be prostate cancer. He had the surgery, then developed a bad infection that landed him back in the hospital in ICU.

Being of a similar age, I know that his keeping it secret may in large part be due to wanting privacy. I can easily understand that but keeping it from his boss was a step too far.

Perhaps at his age, he's afraid of being thrown under the bus and being pushed to retire.

 
Yeah, but when you are the Secretary of Defense of the United States AKA Military life is tough wear a helmet. Your decisions are putting our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and airwomen in immediate danger, we are going to need somebody on call 24/7and full damn transparency.

I like Austin though think he is both competent and capable, but this was poor judgment. For perspective, Lloyd Austin’s Net Worth is Estimated To Be $7 Million. Respectfully, Im thinking Lloyd ought to be just fine regardless. Im more concerned by the wounded warriors who come home broken and battered and are making do, with net worths in the tens of thousands or worse 
Especially since our armed forces leaders have been less than forthcoming on a couple of topics lately.