Masks during a pandemic are nothing new, as shown by this illustration during the Spanish flu epidemic.

Shown here is Edward T. Duncan, modeling his invention, an influenza mask suitable for smokers. To the standard issue mask, he affixed two corn plasters, one on the inside, and one on the outside. A hole is poked, and the cigar or cigarette can be inserted.

“When you draw on your cigarette, all the little germs hovering around take advantage of the chance and try to get in. But when they have gone through the fire of your cigarette they become purified, and are quite harmless by the time they get to your lungs.”

When not smoking, the hole was plugged with a cork.

This invention appeared in the May 1919 issue of Popular Science.