" To put it differently, I'd personally say: "I need to get rid of that tick which is been biting me all day long." I wouldn't say: "I must be free from that tick." And that is why I'd use "rid of" with a cold, as opposed to "free" (despite https://freeinsulationinuk.blogspot.com/2024/09/how-to-uplift-your-lifestyle-with-eco-4.html