Mucus, phlegm, snot – whatever you want to call it, it’s an unavoidable part of being alive.
What exactly is flu mucus and where do cold and flu mucus come from?
As a general rule, it’s more likely that you will contract a cold or the flu in the colder months of the year – and let’s face it… it’s freezing right now!
Symptoms of the flu include a cough, throat problems or a sore throat, sinusitis or fever and an increase in mucus or phlegm production.
Where does flu mucus come from?
Mucus is something we all have, and its presence actually means your body is healthy and can fight infection.
It’s mostly created by our nose and lungs, with a healthy body be making up to 150 millilitres of mucus a day.
The substance is made from 95% water, 3% proteins, 1% salt and other substances and it stops your airways from drying out.
You need to start worrying when your mucus dries up or becomes phlegm or flu mucus.
The difference can be seen (and let’s face it, felt) through a change in consistency, with thick mucus or (phlegm) possibly indicating that your body is fighting an infection.
A popular misconception is that a change in colour of your mucus means your body is fighting an infection. While this can be the case, mucus is also a colourful substance and will often be expelled with different coloured hues even in the most healthy among us.
More ways to keep yourself well for the cold and flu season
Sleeping more, washing your hands and taking a probiotic supplement are all great ways to keep yourself in tip top shape.
To read 7 more fantastic ways to beat the flu, click here.
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