What symptom does a common cold typically NOT include?

A common cold is primarily caused by viral infections and typically presents with a variety of symptoms, including throat irritation, watery rhinorrhea (runny nose), and clear mucus. Fever is not considered a classic symptom of a common cold. While some individuals may experience a mild fever, especially in the presence of a viral illness, it is not a hallmark feature of a common cold, especially when compared to other respiratory conditions such as influenza or bacterial infections.

The other symptoms listed are common manifestations of a cold. Throat irritation occurs frequently as the infection irritates the mucous membranes. Watery rhinorrhea is a typical early symptom where the nasal passages produce excess mucus that is clear and watery. The presence of clear mucus also aligns with the typical characteristics of a cold. Therefore, fever is the symptom that is least commonly associated with a common cold, making it the correct response to this question.