" In Other words, I would say: "I need to get rid of that tick that's been biting me all day long." I wouldn't say: "I need to be free from that tick." And that's why I'd personally use "rid of" with a cold, rather than "free" (it doesn't matter https://eco4grants.blogspot.com/2025/06/take-control-of-your-homes-energy-use.html