CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. -- Many area hospitals are enforcing temporary visitation guidelines to help better protect patients against the flu.

For anyone visiting someone in a hospital, keep these new rules in mind:

• Children 12 and under will not be allowed in. Health officials say children are more likely to have and transmit infections.


• People with symptoms such as a fever, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, rashes or diarrhea should not be visiting.


• There will only be two visitors allowed in a patient's room at one time.

Officials say to keep in mind some hospitals have special care units which could have additional visitation restrictions.

Some hospitals have already started implementing these new rules, while other facilities will begin on Monday. Officials suggest giving the hospital a call before you visit.