Most popular stories for Wednesday, July 23

A Malaysian youth shouts slogans during a rally outside the Russian embassy in Kuala Lumpur in frustration over the crash of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17. Photo / AFP

Here are the most popular news stories today, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about tomorrow.

1. Top rugby team changes airlines

An international sports team due to fly to France on Malaysia Airlines is changing carriers because the players fear for their safety after the MH17 tragedy.

Flight Centre says about 100 customers have cancelled or postponed flights with Malaysia Airlines since its passenger jet was shot down over Ukraine last week.

The Samoa women's rugby team was due to fly to the Women's Rugby World Cup in France from Auckland on Saturday. But Samoa Rugby Union spokeswoman Rula Su'a Vaai said concerns were raised with the International Rugby Board, which advised that Malaysia Airlines would refund the cost of the flights.

The team was changing airlines because of "natural fear" after the airline was involved in the MH17 and MH370 tragedies, she said.

2. The Diary: McCaw and Flynn

The country's most loved sports star, Richie McCaw, may be getting more serious with his 24-year-old hockey star girlfriend Gemma Flynn, according to inside sources.

"Richie and Gem are planning a special celebration in Sydney once she comes back from the Commonwealth Games in mid-August. She's looking forward to it and hoping to sneak in some shopping before she comes home," a friend gushed to The Diary.

But any sign that heart-throb Richie, 33, may be putting a ring on it have been quietly scotched by his rep, Dean Hegan. He is loath to talk about his ward's private life but does not believe McCaw will be settling down any time soon.

Gemma Flynn.

3. Relief for red-light delays

Relief could be at hand for motorists and cyclists suffering red-light rage on Auckland's clogged roads.

Road users are being promised less waiting time at traffic lights linked to CCTV cameras.

Hundreds of cameras already stationed at intersections will give Auckland Transport more accurate information about traffic flows and congestion than is now available from magnetic loops in road surfaces, and allow it to adjust light phases to shorten traffic queues.

4. Hospitals struggle with flu surge

An Auckland hospital has started putting off elective surgery after it was swamped with acutely unwell patients causing a shortage of beds.

The influx at North Shore Hospital is the first sign of trouble for the region's public hospitals this winter, which has been marked by a delayed build-up in the number of people reporting influenza-like illness at community medical centres.

But leading virus expert Associate Professor Lance Jennings, who uses the internet for flu prediction, warns that despite a mild start to the flu season, there may be much worse to come.

How to avoid influenza spreading

• Have the flu vaccine
• Wash and dry hands often
• Stay away from people who are sick
• Stay away from work or school if unwell
• Cover coughs and sneezes

Influenza symptoms
• Sudden onset
• Fever of 38C or higher
• Headache
• Cough
• Muscle aches

Cold symptoms
• Mild fever
• Mild headache
• Congested sinuses, runny nose
• Sometimes a cough

5. Busting the bed-time myths

Think you don't need your nightly eight hours? Think again, says Dr Karyn O'Keeffe, of Massey Universitys Sleep/Wake Research Centre. She busts 10 of the most enduring myths around sleep.

- nzherald.co.nz, NZ Herald, APNZ