Does the Flu Cause Vomiting? Influenza, or flu for short, is a common respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. These viruses infect the nose, throat and lungs. Flu can cause mild to severe illness. Among the common symptoms of flu are fatigue, high fever, a sore throat, loss of appetite, a dry cough and muscle and body aches. The virus commonly targets the respiratory tract but can also affect the gastrointestinal system. Stomach flu ...