Sorry I think you discount that too much - most colds while a pain in the butt and make you feel crappy. People know when they have the flu and with many of the symptoms you have mentioned and most people experience the flu at least a couple of times in their lifetime. In the past I have found that I tend to get the flu every 5 to 10 years on average - only had the flu jab since covid to hopefully avoid the flu with a covid risk.
