In my experience, no AV is required on Linux. I've been using Linux for 9 years with no AV and absolutely no infections. However, the previous comment about scanning a group of files for Windows type malware is a great idea if you plan to send them to a Windows user.

A person using Linux can go years without a problem, but since Windows viruses don't effect Linux, they ignore them. I really don't transfer that many files to friends and if you decide to do that, it might be better to make sure they have up to date AV running.

Another way, is to send them with Gmail. it has advanced virus scanning (for windows) built in. However, Gmail will not send .exe (executable) files. Personally, I don't want to mess up my Linux by running scanning AV. Exceptional security is why I got away from Windows.

If everyone used Linux, we wouldn't be talking about this.