Final answer:
A viral infection is usually associated with both swollen nasal mucous membranes and the production of fluid from the sinuses.
Step-by-step explanation:
A viral infection is usually associated with both swollen nasal mucous membranes and the production of fluid from the sinuses. Viruses can infect the cooler tissues of the nasal cavities, leading to symptoms such as a runny nose, congestion, sore throat, coughing, and sneezing. The absence of high fever is typically used to differentiate a common cold caused by a viral infection from other viral infections like influenza.