Which of the following symptoms is not typically associated with viral URIs?

Severe swelling of the throat is not typically associated with viral upper respiratory infections (URIs). Viral URIs usually manifest with symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, and malaise, which are common due to the inflammatory response triggered by the viral infection.

Nasal congestion and a runny nose are hallmark signs of a viral URI, as they result from the body's immune response leading to nasal mucosal swelling and increased mucus production. Malaise, a general feeling of discomfort or unease, is also a frequent symptom resulting from the body fighting off the viral infection.

In contrast, severe swelling of the throat is more commonly associated with bacterial infections, such as streptococcal pharyngitis, where there is significant inflammation and swelling of the tonsils or pharyngeal tissues. This level of throat swelling is not characteristic of viral URIs, which typically result in milder symptoms without the pronounced throat swelling seen in bacterial infections.