System Image backup & Scanning

Hi All, I have just ventured into system imaging & am finding my way around with it
I know there is a lot of options available but i have just started with the basics of creating a partition and useing the Windows system image backup to get the feel of things
All things aside my question is; "what are the chances of a system image becoming infected by a virus or malware"?
"Is it safe to exclude it from on demand scans or should i always include it?"
This is probably one of those dumb questions but it is one that has puzzled me for a long time ever since the intoduction of Recovery Partitions

Jacee said:

Clean all temps, including history,java and cookies.
Empty recycle bin
Run your antivirus and antispyware scans
Defrag

Now, if everything is clean, set a new restore point. You should be safe to create a system image backup :)

Thanks Jaycee, I havnt actually got an infected system. I am just curious as to whether or not one needs to religously scan a partition which contains your system image backup :)

I just remember reading somwhere (whether it was true or not?) that malware couldnt infect an already created clean restore point.
If this was the case would the same apply for a system image