by Jennifer Forsyth, D.O., Winona Health It’s that time of year again; flu season is here. The flu, short for influenza, is a viral infection that affects your respiratory system — your nose, throat, and lungs. While most people can get better on their own, the flu can lead to serious complications for certain groups, including older adults, young children, and those with chronic health conditions. Flu symptoms can include cough, fever, sore throat, headache, chills, body aches, and fatigue.