" To paraphrase, I would 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, in lieu of "free" (no matter no matter https://energysavinggrants.water.blog/2024/09/13/4-steps-to-apply-for-government-grant-for-solar-panels/