The autonomic nervous system is included in the peripheral system and is largely unconscious. It controls vital body functions such as heart rate, swallowing, breathing, digestion, and arousal.
The typical incubation period for a cold is 1-3 days. This means that it takes between 24 and 72 hours from the time you are exposed to the virus until you start to experience symptoms. Of course, this doesn't mean you will get sick every time you are exposed to a cold virus.
The rhinovirus' (common cold) incubation period is between 12-72 hours. Most people show symptoms closer to the 72 hour mark, but it depends on your immune system and the virus you contract. Influenza's incubation period is 1-4 days with 2 days being the most common for showing symptoms. There are many viruses that cause cold and flu symptoms that are not the common cold or influenza. If you were exposed to one of those it may take up to 7 days before symptoms appear.