Is it better to spit out phlegm you cough up when you're getting sick, or swallow?

You know you are coming down with something when you cough something up and it tastes different. I think that's because there are antibodies in it, but I don't know. It would seem best to get all of that out, or does it make a difference? Of course spitting it out can also recontaminate your face or hands because this isn't exactly a clean process. And it's gross. But which is really grosser?