Albany Medical Center has made changes to its visitor policy due to a rise in respiratory viruses.

Those changes include restricting visitors younger than 12 along with those who have flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, sore throat or shortness of breath; diarrhea; or a rash.

Only two visitors will be allowed bedside at a time, and handwashing is strongly encouraged before entering and after exiting a patient's room, hospital officials said.

The changes go into effect on Monday. Albany Med has full visitors' guidelines on its website.