if a video virus link is sent through email, does opening the email get the virus on your computer?

[zerena]

ok so i got a notification email from facebook that looked like it came from one of my friends, saying they shared a link on my wall, when i opened the email the message was that osama virus thats going around. i didnt click on the link i just closed the email.
can i get the virus even if i didnt open the link that was posted in the email?

[Dustin]

You shouldn't get a virus if you didn't click the link to watch the video. I've never encountered a virus from just opening the e-mail message. They are usually activated when clicked on the links.

[Joe Blows]

If you don't open it, you will be OK. But why don't you get an anti-virus program that scans your eMails?

[Jimmy K]

No you will not be affected if you haven't opened the link. Clicking on the link gives the virus access to your PC, that's how they function.