In order to transmit herpes, there needs to be enough contact to transmit,
with friction, usually the kind associated
with intercourse.
When we say flu like symptoms, we mean an achy feeling, fatigue, maybe swollen glands in the area of the infection. It's not a stuffy nose and a cough.
Maybe you had covid or the flu, but it doesn't sound like herpes.
Lots of things cause bumps in the genitals. Did you see a doctor?