Antviruses aren't safe enough. Viruses can still sneak pass the detection. the best way is to never download any suspicious program or even better, wipe your PC before making a paper wallet.

You could potentially messed up someone due to the lack of knowledge in Linux. Linux isn't as user friendly as Windows in my opinion. As long as you install updates on Windows, a freshly wiped computer running Windows shouldn't pose any threat to your wallet.

I suggest OP to use a paper wallet and laminate it. It would pretty much prevents most damages. For safety purposes, make copies of tjemand put them at different geographical locations.