Safe messaging

Hi,
I’m under pressure from the family to set up MSN messenger. I don’t really want to do this, due to the risk of virus infection. Is there a way to set up Messenger and minimise risks?
I have a business/private network(I work from home), with ADSL access through a modem/router with integral firewall. I run and keep up to date, VET anti virus software.

TIA.