So it's not fair to say that cold and flu viruses are much milder than the covid virus. Many, especially vulnerable people, can sadly die from any of these viruses and bacteria.
Whilst this is true to an extent, my experience has been that covid has made me more ill, and led to ongoing and lifelong health issues, than any cold or flu bug has done previously.
The only other virus that has left me as poorly before was pneumonia, which was horrible and led me to be in hospital and a lengthy absence form work. This was several years ago and before I was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, though likely to have been at the very start of it I guess.
I catch colds a lot - poor immune system due to health condition and medication and I work in a school with small children. They make me feel a bit rubbish, like right now - a bit headache-y, stuffed up, fizzy sinuses, etc - for a couple of days, but can usually work through it.
I have knowingly had flu once, though like most viruses I may have had it without symptoms. I felt rubbish, really poorly. But I was better and back to normal a week or so later.
Covid however led me to be hospitalised due to complications, being rushed to A&E with a very real risk of imminent heart attack or stroke, and needing 7 weeks of work, an ongoing health issue requiring medication daily and long covid symptoms still here some 1.5 years ,after. Luckily the second time I could access antiviral treatment which reduced all symptoms within 24 hours of having it.