windows critical updates - newer spyware

Does anyone know if the vulnerabilites covered in recent windows updates cover programs such as "Lover Spy", etc that supposedly install themselves through email? Do those types of programs really work on a properly updated system or would a full copy of AdAware be needed to prevent it? Most AV software does not include these types of programs. I'm not sure why as far as I'm concerned they are trojans. Sorry for such a basic question. There are so many programs out now and all I seem to get in google are net abuse reports.

Eric