" In other words, I'd personally say: "I need to get rid of that tick that's been biting me all day." I would not say: "I have to be free from that tick." And that's why I'd use "rid of" with a cold, as an alternative to "free" (it doesn't https://airsourceheatpumpgrant.blogspot.com/2024/09/why-should-you-apply-for-free-boiler.html