Can I get sick just being around my Mother In Law?

[PaijeNoelle]

I'm 6 weeks and currently live with my boyfriend and my mother in law. She's been sick and recently I found out she has a giant sore on her back. She said it's from laying down so much and the doctor said its a strong possibility of it being infected. Maybe even staph infection. I try to refrain from handling her clothing and bedding. Should I try to stay away from her as much as possible?

[Sgraves89]

To elaborate- if you have broken or open skin and you touch the infected area on your MIL or clothing that has puss or anything that has come out of the wound you could also get sick.  Just hugging it holding hands with your MIL will most likely not make you sick. Take the same precautions a health care worker would with this type of patient , wear gloves when doing her laundry. Hand washing and keeping serfaces clean is key!

[Sgraves89]

The form of staph your MIL would have is not usually considered to be contagious. But I would speak with her and your health care providers as I'm not personally fimiliar with the diagnosis.
As for your MIL; This giant sore, is it a pressure ulcer due to lack of movement? Please make sure she is seen by a wound care specialist and her wound is being cared for properly. I'm a PSW and work with palliative patients who have the worst PUs. They are terribly painful.