Well, if you like, you may consult the virus experts at McAfee,here: http://www.mcafee.com/support/hoax.asp Or Symantec: http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/hoax.html
You can also check ou the Computer Virus Home Page here: http://www.kumite.com/myths/home.htm
Due to the very nature of email, a computer cannot contract a virus simply by opening email.
***HOWEVER***
An email _attachment_ is something altogether different. Any one who is foolish enough to open an email attachment without knowing *exactly* what it is and who sent it, should have the keyboard ripped out of their hands post-haste, and be repeatedly smacked upside the head with it. ("It", being the keyboard -- though I suppose a post -- in haste -- would do as well.
Read the FAQ's and arm yourselves with the truth!! :^)