An air carrier Captain reported he felt pressure to fly his trip even though he was ill to avoid punitive action by the company.

Narrative

I had been ill the previous three weeks with a serious sinus infection; and had reported for a series of three continuous duty (CD) overnights. I completed the first trip with no problems. During the subsequent rest period I developed a headache and nausea. I felt that over time my symptoms would subside; so I did not immediately call in sick. At approximately two hours before my report I decided that I was not fit to fly. I called crew scheduling. [Scheduler] informed me that because I had not given scheduling enough notice I would be given [disciplinary action]. I felt that there was a subtle pressure to go ahead and fly the trip rather than face disciplinary action for calling in sick without giving 'proper notice.' If a crew member does not feel he or she is fit to fly they should be able to contact scheduling without fear of disciplinary action. Having an arbitrary deadline for sick calls as part of company policy discourages crew members from removing themselves from duty at times when they are not fit.