Rockingham Memorial Hospital will implement several temporary hospital visitation restrictions that go into effect Monday.

Hospital officials say the restrictions will help protect vulnerable people in the community from the H1N1 virus, also known as the swine flu.

After Sunday, children and young people under age 18 won't be permitted to visit patients in the hospital. Adult visitors will be limited to two per patient.

Anyone under the age of 18 won't be allowed into hospital waiting rooms unless he or she is there for treatment. RMH will make exceptions for those visiting patients who have life-threatening conditions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have emphasized that children and young adults are more vulnerable to contracting, and potentially spreading the H1N1 virus.

The hospital hopes to lift the restrictions by the end of the flu season, but the new rules will remain in effect until further notice.

Hospital officials are urging anyone with flu-like symptoms to stay home unless they are there for treatment.