How did it start for you?

With the Flu/Plague of 2025 popping off, and I, 46/f having an Autoimmune disease, I am SUPER worried to catch this. I am wondering what were the very first inklings something was up? How hard does it hit? Does it drop on you like a bomb, or are you ran over by a slow moving train? My throat is starting to hurt (I also smoke) and a super low key headache has been chilling for a few days and Im tired but I dont know if its my body being a jerk or if Im about to experience some serious sick time off work..

What red flags should I watch for, so I can keep my hypochondriac ass in check.